City comparison
Yes. Portland's crime index is 265 versus 326 in Wichita, and its violent crime index is 207 versus 353, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Wichita is cheaper. Median rent is $975 a month versus $1,655 in Portland.
The cost gap between Portland and Wichita is the real story here. Wichita comes in 41% cheaper on typical rent ($1,655 vs $975), which over a year adds up to $8,160. Median household income runs $90,919 in Portland and $64,620 in Wichita.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Wichita costs less and Portland 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
Portland and Wichita are 1,409 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,655 a month in Portland to $975 a month in Wichita, down $680 a month (41%).
Median household income goes from $90,919 in Portland to $64,620 in Wichita, down $26,299 (29%).
The crime index goes from 265 in Portland to 326 in Wichita, up 61 points (23%).
The move
Wichita and Portland are 1,409 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $975 a month in Wichita to $1,655 a month in Portland, up $680 a month (70%).
Median household income goes from $64,620 in Wichita to $90,919 in Portland, up $26,299 (41%).
The crime index goes from 326 in Wichita to 265 in Portland, down 61 points (19%).
Portland, OR
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 Portland and Wichita? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
41% cheaper
Wichita rent is 41% cheaper than Portland
Portland
$1,655/mo
Wichita
Winner$975/mo
Typical rent runs $975 a month in Wichita versus $1,655 in Portland, so Wichita is 41% cheaper. That's roughly $680/month back in your pocket ($8,160/year). Over five years that's $40,800 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 Portland, 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
41% higher
Portland's median income is 41% higher than Wichita
Portland
Winner$90,919
Wichita
$64,620
Median household income is $90,919 in Portland versus $64,620 in Wichita, so typical pay runs 41% higher in Portland (about $26,299 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, Portland 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
19% lower crime
Portland's crime index is 19% lower than Wichita
Portland
Winner265 (100 = avg)
Wichita
326 (100 = avg)
Portland's crime index is 265 versus 326 in Wichita (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 19% lower in Portland. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Portland is the easier city. Wichita can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
3% more comfortable
Wichita weather is 3% more comfortable than Portland
Portland
60°F avg · 68°F highs · comfort 86/100
Wichita
Winner61°F avg · 69°F highs · comfort 89/100
Portland averages about 60°F (68°F highs); Wichita averages about 61°F (69°F highs). Portland averages around 60°F. Wichita averages around 61°F. Wichita scores 3% 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 Portland 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
Portland is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 41% higher here ($90,919). Start with Portland if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Portland is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 19% lower than Wichita (265 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 41% 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 Portland on this page's weather index by 3%. Portland may pay more or cost less, but Wichita is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Bottom line
On rent alone, Wichita undercuts Portland by $680/month ($975 vs $1,655). I would not pick Portland on housing cost without a job that clears that spread.
Wichita rent at $975/month is still below Portland's $1,655, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 30/100 in Portland and 24/100 in Wichita.
Most movers who prioritize housing cost land in Wichita; Portland only makes sense when your offer letter is already written for Portland at $90,919 income.
Common questions
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Portland and Wichita, plus other cities in OR and KS.
