Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Wichita is 8% cheaper than Winston-Salem.

$960/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↑ 8%
$63,072/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 9%
$179,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 16%
$994/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↑ 5%
396,488
Population
250,887

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $5,399/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Wichita or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $5,399/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and North Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Winston-Salem details →

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