Median rent is 41% lower in Wichita ($975/mo vs $1,648/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wichita, where the median home runs $190,800 versus $452,600. Households earn more in Colorado Springs ($84,818 vs $64,620 a year). Taken together, Wichita is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.4 against 98.1 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Colorado Springs, CO.
Cost of living verdict
Wichita is 9% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.4 in Wichita vs 98.1 in Colorado Springs (US national average = 100)
City A
Colorado Springs, CO
City B
Wichita, KS
How much would you need to earn in Wichita, KS to maintain your standard of living from Colorado Springs, CO?
Equivalent salary in Wichita, KS
$68,356
You could earn $6,644 less (9% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Colorado Springs
Colorado
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Wichita — median rent of $975/mo versus $1,648/mo in Colorado Springs, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Colorado Springs: the median home is $452,600 versus $190,800 in Wichita — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Colorado Springs
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Wichita
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Colorado Springs averages 23.0 AQI (Good) and Wichita averages 24.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 89.4 vs 98.1).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,818/yr).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize cheaper rent ($975/mo median).
Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Wichita?
Wichita is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.4 versus 98.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Wichita.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Wichita?
Median rent is $1,648/mo in Colorado Springs, CO and $975/mo in Wichita, KS. Wichita, KS has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Colorado Springs or Wichita?
Median household income is $84,818 in Colorado Springs, CO and $64,620 in Wichita, KS. Colorado Springs, CO 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?
Colorado Springs, CO has better air quality on average: 23.0 AQI versus 24.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Colorado Springs or Wichita?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match my Colorado Springs income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Colorado Springs, CO is equivalent to roughly $91,141 in Wichita, KS (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
