Median rent is 30% lower in Wichita ($960/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wichita, where the median home runs $179,500 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $63,072 a year). Taken together, Wichita is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.8 against 105.7 — about 16% lower overall prices.
Quick verdict
Wichita is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.8 in Wichita vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Wichita, KS
How much would you need to earn in Wichita, KS to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Wichita, KS
$62,994
You could earn $12,006 less (16% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Wichita
Kansas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Wichita — median rent of $960/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $179,500 in Wichita — 43% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 5.70% in Kansas, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.50% in Kansas; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Wichita
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.50%
Both cities have similar air quality: Chicago averages 21.0 AQI (Good) and Wichita averages 22.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 88.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize cheaper rent ($960/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Wichita?
Wichita is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Wichita.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Wichita?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $960/mo in Wichita, KS. Wichita, KS has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Wichita?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $63,072 in Wichita, KS. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 22.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Wichita?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Kansas's is 5.70%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $83,991 in Wichita, KS (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology