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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd save $412/month moving to Wichita, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in Wichita, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA area
Overall Cost
↓ 5.5%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$412
Savings
Annual Impact
$4.9K
Per year

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

Omaha, NE

Population:486K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$282K

Wichita, KS

Population:396K
Cost Index:
95
(5% below avg)
Median Home:$202K

Omaha, NE

The Cornhusker State

486K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 486K 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: Omaha, NE vs Wichita, KS

Housing
↓ 12.3%
Omaha, NE
$2,105
Wichita, KS
$1,845
Difference
$260
less
Healthcare
↓ 14.5%
Omaha, NE
$682
Wichita, KS
$582
Difference
$99.13
less
All Utilities
↑ 14.0%
Omaha, NE
$470
Wichita, KS
$535
Difference
$65.57
more
Groceries
↓ 6.3%
Omaha, NE
$949
Wichita, KS
$889
Difference
$59.96
less
Transportation
↓ 3.3%
Omaha, NE
$1,243
Wichita, KS
$1,202
Difference
$40.98
less
Other
↑ 1.0%
Omaha, NE
$1,624
Wichita, KS
$1,641
Difference
$16.74
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,160
To$790
↓ $370
1 Bed
From$1,220
To$855
↓ $365
2 Bed
From$1,450
To$1,110
↓ $340
3 Bed
From$1,920
To$1,455
↓ $465
Omaha, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,720/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.

$7,073
Monthly in Omaha, NE
$6,695
Monthly in Wichita, KS
$378
Difference

Home Values

Omaha
Wichita
$282K
Median Value
$202K
↑ +1.2%
YoY Change
↑ +0.2%
↑ +31.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.5%
$129K - $441K
Price Range
$86K - $424K

Homes in Wichita are 29% less expensive than Omaha

Calculate payment - OmahaCalculate payment - Wichita

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $918
Per year
Monthly Difference
$76.47
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Omaha, NE

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Nebraska State Tax
Effective: 6.2%
$9.3K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.9%
$46.3K
Take-Home Pay
$8,638/month
$103.7K

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

Omaha, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:1.8%

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

Omaha
Wichita
45 Good
Air Quality
43 Good
63.7%
Good Air Days
75.1%
96 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
35 days
Heat Days >95°F
61 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
35 days
Heat Days >95°F
61 days

What to Consider When Moving from Omaha, NE to Wichita, KS

Relocating from Omaha, NE to Wichita, KS involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 5% lower in Wichita, KS, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Wichita, KS is 12% cheaper than in Omaha, NE. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Wichita, KS pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Wichita, KS to match your current standard of living in Omaha, NE.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Wichita, KS for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Omaha, NE vs Wichita, KS

Is Wichita, KS cheaper than Omaha, NE?

Yes, Wichita, KS is about 5.5% cheaper than Omaha, NE. You could save approximately $412/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 12% lower in Wichita, KS.

What salary do I need in Wichita, KS to match my lifestyle in Omaha, NE?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Omaha, NE, you would need approximately $145,055 in Wichita, KS to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Omaha, NE and Wichita, KS?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,450/month in Omaha, NE compared to $1,110/month in Wichita, KS. One-bedroom apartments are $1,220/month in Omaha, NE vs $855/month in Wichita, KS. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Omaha, NE or Wichita, KS?

Groceries are about 6% cheaper in Wichita, KS than in Omaha, NE, saving a typical household roughly $59.96/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Omaha, NE to Wichita, KS?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Omaha, NE on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $330/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $330/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $165/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $82.42/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $82.42/mo

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