Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $761 in Kansas. Overall, Kansas runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $63,072 in Kansas — about 18% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Kansas has a top state income tax rate of 5.58% and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6.5%
+0.9 pp in Kansas
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
5.58%
+3.1 pp in Kansas
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$761
+39% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$179,500
+51% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$63,072
+18% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
57.0°F
+18.1°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Kansas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Kansas?
- Kansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $761 runs about 39% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in Kansas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $30,000 in Kansas.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Kansas?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. Kansas has a top state income tax rate of 5.58% and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/Kansas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.