Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Wichita is 48% cheaper than Surprise.

$960/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 100%
$63,072/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 48%
$179,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 121%
$994/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 60%
396,488
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $30,299/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Surprise — common questions

Is Wichita or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Surprise?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Surprise?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $30,299/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Arizona?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Surprise

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite