Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Wichita is 38% cheaper than Worcester.

$960/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 47%
$63,072/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 7%
$179,500 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 89%
$994/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 53%
396,488
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $4,472/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Worcester — common questions

Is Wichita or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Worcester?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Worcester?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $4,472/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Massachusetts?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Worcester details →

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