Question 1

Is Memphis or Wichita cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Wichita, KS is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $356/month less than in Memphis, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,274/mo in Memphis versus $1,099/mo in Wichita.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Memphis vs Wichita?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $65,500/year before tax in Memphis, TN and $63,000/year in Wichita, KS — a difference of about $2,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Memphis or Wichita cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Wichita, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,376/month in Memphis and $7,983/month in Wichita, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Memphis or Wichita?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Wichita costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Memphis53	Wichita61
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,783	$3,427
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,376	$7,983
Salary for comfort	$65,500/yr	$63,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,274	$1,099
Median home value	$157,100	$179,500
Median household income	$51,211	$63,072
Unemployment	5.6%	4.5%
Housing score	65	94
Jobs score	14	40
Safety score	4	6
Climate score	100	96
Amenities score	47	40
Population	629.1K	396.5K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 33°	92° / 22°

Memphis, TN vs Wichita, KS