Moving from Austin to Wichita (2026)
Wichita has a COL index of 82 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 33% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$852/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12282
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,000
per month
State tax
None5.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,384
per month
Salary needed in Wichita to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 33% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Wichita |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,885 |
| $50K | $33,607 |
| $60K | $40,328 |
| $75K | $50,410 |
| $80K | $53,770 |
| $100K | $67,213 |
| $120K | $80,656 |
| $150K | $100,820 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Wichita
| Expense | Austin | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $372 | $350 |
| Transport | $50 | $42 |
| Utilities | $170 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,779 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wichita cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Wichita has a cost of living index of 82 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 33% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Wichita?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Wichita could save roughly $852/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,224/year.
What salary do I need in Wichita to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $50,410/year in Wichita. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Wichita to AustinAustin vs Wichita — full comparisonAustin cost of livingWichita cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only