Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Wichita is 10% more expensive than Syracuse.

$960/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↑ 4%
$63,072/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 27%
$179,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 30%
$994/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 1%
396,488
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,227/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Wichita or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Syracuse?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Syracuse?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $17,227/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New York?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Syracuse

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville