Is Wichita, KS cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Wichita, KS is 48.8% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3661 per month.

What salary do I need in Wichita, KS to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $106,071.429 in Wichita, KS to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Wichita, KS?

Housing in Wichita, KS is 75.9% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,110/month in Wichita, KS compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Wichita, KS?

Moving from New York, NY to Wichita, KS could save you approximately $3661 per month, or $43929 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Wichita, KS

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.7K/month moving to Wichita, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.1K in Wichita, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 48.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,661

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.9K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Wichita, KS

Population:396K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$202K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Wichita, KS

Category	New York, NY	Wichita, KS	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,845/mo	↓ $5,803less	75.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $400less	25.0%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,641/mo	↓ $393less	19.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$889/mo	↓ $276less	23.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$582/mo	↓ $105less	15.3%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$535/mo	↓ $64.48less	10.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 75.9%

New York, NY

$7,648

Wichita, KS

$1,845

Difference

$5,803

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.0%

New York, NY

$1,602

Wichita, KS

$1,202

Difference

$400

less

📦Other

↓ 19.3%

New York, NY

$2,034

Wichita, KS

$1,641

Difference

$393

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 23.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Wichita, KS

$889

Difference

$276

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

New York, NY

$688

Wichita, KS

$582

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.7%

New York, NY

$600

Wichita, KS

$535

Difference

$64.48

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$790

↓ $2,330

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$855

↓ $2,415

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,110

↓ $2,480

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,455

↓ $3,045

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$6,695

Monthly in Wichita, KS

$7,042

Difference

Home Values

New York

Wichita

$1.05M

Median Value

$202K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.2%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.5%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$86K - $424K

Homes in Wichita are 81% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Wichita

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$93.75

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.