salaryWichita is 3% 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
$1,266
$1,162
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,101
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$69,693
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$190,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
88.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,233
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$145
👥 People living there
212,421
397,945
Commute to work
19.5 min
18.4 min
College degree
29.7%
31.1%
Own their home
60.5%
58.9%
Below poverty line
15%
15.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for higher incomes, less poverty.
- Pick Wichita for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $37,300 | +83% in Wichita |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $41,900 | -26% in Wichita |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $60,840 | -26% in Wichita |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $39,330 | -20% in Wichita |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $60,940 | -19% in Wichita |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $37,750 | -19% in Wichita |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $38,630 | -18% in Wichita |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $50,930 | -17% in Wichita |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Wichita is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,162 a month there versus $1,266 in Des Moines.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $58,197 a year gives the same standard of living in Wichita.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Wichita?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $69,693 in Wichita, 2% more in Des Moines.