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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Wichita, KS area
Overall Cost
19.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,483
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$17.8K
Per year

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

Wichita, KS

Population:396K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$202K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:120
Median Home:$558K

Wichita, KS

The Sunflower State

396K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Live music capital
  • Major tech hub
  • SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wichita, KS vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
56.3%
Wichita, KS
$1,845
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,039
more
📦Other
6.1%
Wichita, KS
$1,641
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$100
more
🚗Transportation
6.8%
Wichita, KS
$1,202
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
🛒Groceries
7.9%
Wichita, KS
$889
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$69.95
more
🏥Healthcare
1.1%
Wichita, KS
$582
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$6.20
more
All Utilities
1.0%
Wichita, KS
$535
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$5.46
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$790
To$1,585
$795
1 Bed
From$855
To$1,685
$830
2 Bed
From$1,110
To$1,995
$885
3 Bed
From$1,455
To$2,525
$1,070
Wichita, KSZIP-level data

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

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490$2,350/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.

$6,695
Monthly in Wichita, KS
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,303
Difference

Home Values

Wichita
Austin
$202K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +0.2%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +40.5%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$86K - $424K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 177% more expensive than Wichita

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$8.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$702
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.6%
Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Wichita, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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

Wichita
Austin
43 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
75.1%
Good Air Days
42.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

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

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