Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Wichita is 7% more expensive than Springfield.

$960/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 2%
$63,072/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 4%
$179,500 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 14%
$994/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 2%
396,488
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,465/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Springfield — common questions

Is Wichita or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Springfield?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Springfield?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $2,465/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Springfield

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces