Median rent is 30% lower in Wichita ($975/mo vs $1,392/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wichita, where the median home runs $190,800 versus $373,700. Households earn more in Wichita ($64,620 vs $52,060 a year). Taken together, Wichita is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 89.4 against 112.6 — about 21% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Wichita, KS.
Cost of living verdict
Wichita is 21% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 89.4 in Wichita vs 112.6 in Newark (US national average = 100)
City A
Newark, NJ
City B
Wichita, KS
How much would you need to earn in Wichita, KS to maintain your standard of living from Newark, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Wichita, KS
$59,537
You could earn $15,463 less (21% 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
Newark
New Jersey
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 $1,392/mo in Newark, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newark: the median home is $373,700 versus $190,800 in Wichita — 49% 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.
Newark
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Wichita
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Wichita has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 46.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Wichita if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 89.4 vs 112.6).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,620/yr).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize cheaper rent ($975/mo median).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Newark cheaper than Wichita?
Wichita is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 89.4 versus 112.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 21% lower in Wichita.
How much is rent in Newark vs Wichita?
Median rent is $1,392/mo in Newark, NJ and $975/mo in Wichita, KS. Wichita, KS has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Newark or Wichita?
Median household income is $52,060 in Newark, NJ and $64,620 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?
Wichita, KS has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 46.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Newark or Wichita?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match my Newark income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newark, NJ is equivalent to roughly $79,383 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
