Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Wichita and St. Louis have a similar cost of living.

$960/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↑ 2%
$63,072/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 12%
$179,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$185,100 ↑ 3%
$994/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↑ 2%
396,488
Population
293,109

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,793/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Wichita or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and St. Louis?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or St. Louis?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $7,793/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 St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View St. Louis details →

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