Median rent is 42% lower in Wichita ($960/mo vs $1,656/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wichita, where the median home runs $179,500 versus $221,300. Households earn more in Spring ($86,888 vs $63,072 a year). Taken together, Wichita is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 88.8 against 90.0 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spring, TX.
Quick verdict
Wichita is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 88.8 in Wichita vs 90.0 in Spring (US average = 100)
City A
Spring, TX
City B
Wichita, KS
How much would you need to earn in Wichita, KS to maintain your standard of living from Spring, TX?
Equivalent salary in Wichita, KS
$73,979
You could earn $1,021 less (1% 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
Spring
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Wichita — median rent of $960/mo versus $1,656/mo in Spring, a 42% difference. Median home values are within 19% of each other: $221,300 in Spring and $179,500 in Wichita.
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 Spring a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.50% in Kansas; Spring has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Spring
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 Spring.
Pick Spring if you prioritize higher median household income ($86,888/yr).
Pick Wichita if you prioritize cheaper rent ($960/mo median).
Pick Spring if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Spring cheaper than Wichita?
Wichita is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 88.8 versus 90.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Wichita.
How much is rent in Spring vs Wichita?
Median rent is $1,656/mo in Spring, TX and $960/mo in Wichita, KS. Wichita, KS has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Spring or Wichita?
Median household income is $86,888 in Spring, TX and $63,072 in Wichita, KS. Spring, TX 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 — Spring 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 Spring income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Spring, TX is equivalent to roughly $98,639 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