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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.0K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Wichita, KS area
Overall Cost
20.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,500
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$18.0K
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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:120
Median Home:$414K

Wichita, KS

The Sunflower State

396K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • Fastest growing major city
  • Desert metropolis
  • Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wichita, KS vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
51.1%
Wichita, KS
$1,845
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$943
more
🚗Transportation
23.9%
Wichita, KS
$1,202
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$287
more
🛒Groceries
8.3%
Wichita, KS
$889
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$73.94
more
📦Other
2.2%
Wichita, KS
$1,641
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$36.83
more
All Utilities
4.8%
Wichita, KS
$535
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$25.68
more
🏥Healthcare
1.1%
Wichita, KS
$582
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$6.20
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$790
To$1,390
$600
1 Bed
From$855
To$1,510
$655
2 Bed
From$1,110
To$1,750
$640
3 Bed
From$1,455
To$2,330
$875
Wichita, KSZIP-level data

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

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300$2,380/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
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,373
Difference

Home Values

Wichita
Phoenix
$202K
Median Value
$414K
↑ +0.2%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +40.5%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$86K - $424K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 105% more expensive than Wichita

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$3.2K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$265
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.1%
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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Wichita, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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
Phoenix
43 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
75.1%
Good Air Days
9%
97 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

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

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