Cost of Living in Wichita, Kansas (2026)
COL Index
82
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,000
per month
Median HHI
$52K
per year
State Tax
5.7%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Wichita |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $800 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,000 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,300 |
| Median home price | $200K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 92 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $46 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42 |
| Gas price/gal | $2.95 |
| Car insurance/moCompare rates → | $145 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $155 |
| Internet/mo | $58 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $52K |
| State income tax rate | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.7% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 82 |
| Walk score / 100 | 28 |
Is Wichita affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,538/mo take-home
39% rent burden · Tight
$50K
~$2,923/mo take-home
34% rent burden · Manageable
$60K
~$3,508/mo take-home
29% rent burden · Manageable
$75K
~$4,384/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
$80K
~$4,677/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
$100K
~$5,846/mo take-home
17% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$6,585/mo take-home
15% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,231/mo take-home
12% rent burden · Very comfortable
Wichita costs less than the US average. Put the difference to work.
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only