salaryWichita is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Wichita to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,162
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,101
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$69,693
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$190,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
88.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$2,233
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$145
👥 People living there
2,711,226
397,945
Commute to work
33.1 min
18.4 min
College degree
44.3%
31.1%
Own their home
46%
58.9%
Below poverty line
16.8%
15.9%
Unemployment
8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Wichita for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $41,900 | -49% in Wichita |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $60,840 | -44% in Wichita |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $60,940 | -41% in Wichita |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $50,930 | -37% in Wichita |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $65,670 | -36% in Wichita |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $121,510 | -27% in Wichita |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $58,640 | -25% in Wichita |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $76,540 | -24% in Wichita |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Wichita is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,162 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $51,516 a year gives the same standard of living in Wichita.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Wichita?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $69,693 in Wichita, 21% more in Chicago.