Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Wichita is 48% cheaper than Tampa.

$960/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 63%
$63,072/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 13%
$179,500 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 109%
$994/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 56%
396,488
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $8,230/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Tampa — common questions

Is Wichita or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Tampa?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Tampa?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $8,230/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Florida?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Tampa details →