Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Wichita is 48% cheaper than Tacoma.

$960/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 66%
$63,072/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 33%
$179,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 153%
$994/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 76%
396,488
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $20,785/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Wichita or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Tacoma?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $20,785/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Washington?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Tacoma

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville