Median rent is 2% lower in Wichita ($960/mo vs $981/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wichita, where the median home runs $179,500 versus $225,800. Households earn more in Wichita ($63,072 vs $45,401 a year). Taken together, Huntsville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.3 against 88.8 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Wichita, KS.
Quick verdict
Huntsville is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.3 in Huntsville vs 88.8 in Wichita (US average = 100)
City A
Huntsville, TX
City B
Wichita, KS
How much would you need to earn in Wichita, KS to maintain your standard of living from Huntsville, TX?
Equivalent salary in Wichita, KS
$75,391
You'd need $391 more (1% higher).
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
Huntsville
Texas
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $981/mo in Huntsville and $960/mo in Wichita. Home buyers face a steeper market in Huntsville: the median home is $225,800 versus $179,500 in Wichita — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Kansas tops out at 5.70% — giving Huntsville a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.50% in Kansas; Huntsville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Huntsville
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Wichita
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Wichita (avg AQI 22.0) but not yet for Huntsville.
Pick Wichita if you prioritize higher median household income ($63,072/yr).
Pick Huntsville if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Huntsville cheaper than Wichita?
Huntsville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.3 versus 88.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Huntsville.
How much is rent in Huntsville vs Wichita?
Median rent is $981/mo in Huntsville, TX and $960/mo in Wichita, KS. Wichita, KS has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Huntsville or Wichita?
Median household income is $45,401 in Huntsville, TX and $63,072 in Wichita, KS. Wichita, KS 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Huntsville or Wichita?
Texas has no state income tax. Kansas has a top rate of 5.70%.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match my Huntsville income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Huntsville, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,522 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