Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Wichita is 28% cheaper than Spokane.

$960/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↑ 19%
$63,072/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 4%
$179,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 82%
$994/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↑ 22%
396,488
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $2,673/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Spokane — common questions

Is Wichita or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Spokane?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Spokane?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $2,673/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Washington?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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