Cost of Living in Wichita

Kansas · Population: 397,945 · Updated 2026

Affordable
Cost Index
88.9
100 = US avg
Median Income
$65K
Annual household
Median Rent
$975/mo
2-bedroom unit
Rent Burden
18%
Income to rent ratio
Cost Category Breakdown

Indexed to national average (100)

Housing57.4
Groceries100.0
Utilities100.0
Transportation100.0
Healthcare100.0
Economic Details
Median Home Value$191K
State Income Tax5.7%
Unemployment Rate3.7%
Est. Net Income$61K/yr
Affordability Score
106
out of 100
Below national average cost
Salary Converter for Wichita

See what salary you'd need in another city to match your purchasing power in Wichita.

$75,000

About Wichita

Wichita is the aircraft manufacturing capital of the world, home to Boeing, Cessna, Beechcraft, and Spirit AeroSystems. It offers an exceptionally affordable cost of living with strong manufacturing employment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wichita expensive?

Wichita has a cost of living index of 88.9, where 100 represents the national average. This makes Wichita more affordable than most US cities.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Wichita?

Based on a rent-to-income ratio of 30%, you'd need at least $39,000 to afford the median 2-bedroom apartment in Wichita and maintain basic expenses.

What is the median rent in Wichita?

The median 2-bedroom rent in Wichita is $975 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.