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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd save $170/month moving to Wichita, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.0K in Wichita, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
2.3%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$170
Savings
Annual Impact
$2.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Detroit, MI

Population:639K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$86K

Wichita, KS

Population:396K
Cost Index:
98
(2% below avg)
Median Home:$202K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Wichita, KS

The Sunflower State

396K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 396K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Detroit, MI vs Wichita, KS

Transportation
23.5%
Detroit, MI
$1,571
Wichita, KS
$1,202
Difference
$369
less
Housing
18.3%
Detroit, MI
$1,559
Wichita, KS
$1,845
Difference
$286
more
Groceries
6.3%
Detroit, MI
$949
Wichita, KS
$889
Difference
$59.96
less
Other
2.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,674
Wichita, KS
$1,641
Difference
$33.48
less
All Utilities
3.9%
Detroit, MI
$557
Wichita, KS
$535
Difference
$21.86
less
Healthcare
3.3%
Detroit, MI
$564
Wichita, KS
$582
Difference
$18.59
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

Wichita, KS has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$875
To$790
$85.00
1 Bed
From$975
To$855
$120
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$1,110
$115
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$1,455
$40.00
Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830$1,690/mo

Wichita, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $680$1,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,875
Monthly in Detroit, MI
$6,695
Monthly in Wichita, KS
$180
Difference

Home Values

Detroit
Wichita
$86K
Median Value
$202K
↓ -3.3%
YoY Change
↑ +0.2%
↑ +15.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.5%
$48K - $415K
Price Range
$86K - $424K

Homes in Wichita are 136% more expensive than Detroit

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$2.0K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$170
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.4%
Rate difference

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Michigan State Tax
Effective: 4.3%
$6.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.9%
$43.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,884/month
$106.6K

Wichita, KS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kansas State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,714/month
$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

Wichita, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Detroit
Wichita
55 Moderate
Air Quality
43 Good
32.8%
Good Air Days
75.1%
99 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
61 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
61 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Michigan and Kansas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Wichita, KS

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