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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Wichita is 8% more expensive than Springfield.

$960/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 4%
$63,072/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 27%
$179,500 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 8%
$994/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 9%
396,488
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,088/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri 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 60 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 $920/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Springfield?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $17,088/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Missouri?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/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

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