2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Iowa City, IA vs Wichita, KS

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Wichita or is it cheaper to live in Iowa City?
- Wichita is 7.6% less expensive than Iowa City.

Which city has more affordable housing, Wichita or Iowa City?
- Wichita housing costs are 30.0% less expensive than Iowa City housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Iowa City or is Health Care more affordable in Wichita.
- Health related expenses are 1.1% less in Wichita.
 Iowa City, IAWichita, KSUnited States
 Overall  Unlock82.8100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.9100
 Housing78.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$172,400$338,100
 Utilities94  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock80.4100
 Miscellaneous117.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Iowa City    24 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to  More

   |    Reply

Over 7 years ago

Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Iowa City

Reviews for Wichita    58 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

Grew up there in the 80s and moving back. It's very true about the feel-good blue skies and the friendliness of the communities. Wichita is perfect for those who want  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I lived in Wichita for several years and it was a great place to live, low crime for such a large city. Very diverse, lots to do, plenty of jobs and beautiful  More

   |    Reply

I grew up there. Here's the good, bad and ugly. First the bad- the worst thing about this place is the weather. It absolutely sucks all year. It's windy and freezing all  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Wichita


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.