Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Wichita is 29% cheaper than St. Paul.

$960/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 30%
$63,072/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 16%
$179,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 56%
$994/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 40%
396,488
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $9,983/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Wichita or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and St. Paul?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or St. Paul?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $9,983/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Minnesota?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View St. Paul details →

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