City comparison
Yes. Minneapolis's crime index is 303 versus 326 in Wichita, and its violent crime index is 314 versus 353, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Wichita is cheaper. Median rent is $975 a month versus $1,371 in Minneapolis.
The cost gap between Minneapolis and Wichita is the real story here. Wichita comes in 29% cheaper on typical rent ($1,371 vs $975), which over a year adds up to $4,752. Median household income runs $80,846 in Minneapolis and $64,620 in Wichita.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Wichita costs less and Minneapolis pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Wichita at $975 average has pockets that run $775 and others at $1,375: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Minneapolis and Wichita are 546 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,371 a month in Minneapolis to $975 a month in Wichita, down $396 a month (29%).
Median household income goes from $80,846 in Minneapolis to $64,620 in Wichita, down $16,226 (20%).
The crime index goes from 303 in Minneapolis to 326 in Wichita, up 23 points (8%).
The move
Wichita and Minneapolis are 546 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $975 a month in Wichita to $1,371 a month in Minneapolis, up $396 a month (41%).
Median household income goes from $64,620 in Wichita to $80,846 in Minneapolis, up $16,226 (25%).
The crime index goes from 326 in Wichita to 303 in Minneapolis, down 23 points (7%).
Minneapolis, MN
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Wichita, KS
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Minneapolis and Wichita? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
29% cheaper
Wichita rent is 29% cheaper than Minneapolis
Minneapolis
$1,371/mo
Wichita
Winner$975/mo
Typical rent runs $975 a month in Wichita versus $1,371 in Minneapolis, so Wichita is 29% cheaper. That's roughly $396/month back in your pocket ($4,752/year). Over five years that's $23,760 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Minneapolis, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Wichita is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Wichita? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
25% higher
Minneapolis's median income is 25% higher than Wichita
Minneapolis
Winner$80,846
Wichita
$64,620
Median household income is $80,846 in Minneapolis versus $64,620 in Wichita, so typical pay runs 25% higher in Minneapolis (about $16,226 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Minneapolis is the stronger labor market on paper. Wichita can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
7% lower crime
Minneapolis's crime index is 7% lower than Wichita
Minneapolis
Winner303 (100 = avg)
Wichita
326 (100 = avg)
Minneapolis's crime index is 303 versus 326 in Wichita (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 7% lower in Minneapolis. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Minneapolis, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Wichita. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
24% more comfortable
Wichita weather is 24% more comfortable than Minneapolis
Minneapolis
55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Wichita
Winner61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Minneapolis averages about 55°F (62°F highs); Wichita averages about 61°F (69°F highs). Minneapolis averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Wichita averages around 61°F. Wichita scores 24% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Minneapolis if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Minneapolis is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 25% higher here ($80,846). Start with Minneapolis if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Minneapolis is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 7% lower than Wichita (303 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Wichita is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 29% cheaper here at about $975 a month. Choose Wichita if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Pick Wichita if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (61°F) beat Minneapolis on this page's weather index by 24%. Minneapolis may pay more or cost less, but Wichita is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Bottom line
Housing separates these metros first: $975/month in Wichita versus $1,371 in Minneapolis. Median income reads $64,620 in Wichita and $80,846 in Minneapolis, which matters when you stack rent against take-home pay.
Wichita rent at $975/month is still below Minneapolis's $1,371, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Weather averages land near 55°F in Minneapolis and 61°F in Wichita.
Pick Wichita when shaving $396 off rent at $975/month is the priority. Otherwise, Minneapolis's case rests on $1,371/month rent with $80,846 local income.
Common questions
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Minneapolis and Wichita, plus other cities in MN and KS.
