The comparison of Phoenix, Arizona, and Wichita, Kansas, considers various aspects that cater to both residents and tourists alike. Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the United States, is famous for its warm weather and vibrant culture, while Wichita, known as the Air Capital of the World, boasts a strong economy and affable neighborhoods. This article delves into various factors such as crime rates, cost of living, educational opportunities, employment, infrastructure, local culture, taxes, and healthcare to provide a comprehensive understanding of life in these cities.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Wichita, KS : 875.3 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 311%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Wichita has grown by 51,415 people (14.9%) during that time.
Both Phoenix and Wichita have crime rates that are above the national average. However, the crime rate in Wichita is typically higher than in Phoenix, with Phoenix's property crime being particularly lower than Wichita's. Both cities have taken various measures to improve safety and continue to work towards lowering their crime rates.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 1,438 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Wichita is 271 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Phoenix than in Wichita.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally lower in Wichita compared to Phoenix. This is mainly due to lower housing costs. Groceries, utilities, and other daily expenses also tend to be lower in Wichita. While Phoenix boasts a slightly higher cost of living, it also offers arguably more amenities, attractions, and job opportunities.
Income Tax
Kansas has a state income tax that ranges from 3.1% to 5.7%, while Arizona's ranges from 2.59% to 4.50%. Therefore, Wichita residents might pay a slightly higher income tax compared to those in Phoenix.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Phoenix are relatively lower than in Wichita. This could become a crucial factor for those considering home ownership in either city.
Sales Tax
Arizona overall has a higher sales tax than Kansas. Phoenix imposes a sales tax of 8.6%, while Wichita has a sales tax of 7.5%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$56,293
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$30,942
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
81.7
If you make $50,000 in Wichita, you will have to make $61,934 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in a desert and is surrounded by mountains, while Wichita is in the heartland and offers a more traditional, rural American landscape. These different settings offer unique outdoor recreational opportunities and landscapes to their residents and visitors.
Both Phoenix and Wichita offer great education options with numerous public and private schools. Phoenix is home to Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S. In comparison, Wichita hosts the Wichita State University, known for its innovation and research programs.
Phoenix's economy is driven by real estate, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Meanwhile, Wichita's economy is largely based on manufacturing, especially in the aviation and healthcare industries. Both cities have healthy economic prospects, with Phoenix having the larger and more diversified economy.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, the largest employers include Banner Health System, Walmart, and the City of Phoenix. On the other hand, Wichita's biggest employers include Spirit AeroSystems, Koch Industries, and Wesley Healthcare.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 760 building permits issued in Wichita in 2012 (351 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Wichita (Sedgwick County), 39.4% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
2020
50.2%
42.9%
48.0%
54.7%
1.8%
2.4%
2016
44.9%
36.3%
47.7%
54.4%
7.5%
9.3%
2012
43.6%
39.4%
54.3%
58.3%
2.1%
2.3%
2008
44.0%
42.5%
54.5%
55.2%
1.5%
2.3%
2004
42.4%
36.6%
57.0%
62.3%
0.6%
1.2%
2000
43.0%
38.4%
53.4%
57.5%
3.6%
4.1%
1996
44.5%
35.8%
47.2%
56.1%
8.2%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
15.0%
4.3%
5.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
5.9%
6.5%
9.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.5%
2.0%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
1.4%
1.5%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.3%
1.3%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.1%
0.6%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.6%
0.6%
3.1%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.5%
0.4%
Weather
Phoenix is known for its warm, desert climate with low humidity, making it a popular destination for those seeking sun-drenched days. The city experiences hot summers and mild winters. Conversely, Wichita experiences a transitional climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Snowfall is common during the winter months in Wichita but it's a rare occurrence in Phoenix.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
56.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
73.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
84%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
50%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
30.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
30 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
21.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
70.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
76%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
56%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
12.5 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Wichita, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
Phoenix
Wichita
2018
156
67
0.38
N/A
15.2
7.8
28.5
28.1
34.8
25.8
8.6
6.2
0.6
1.1
2017
120
66
0.41
N/A
15.9
6.8
28.6
29.1
34.9
22.1
7.6
6.9
1.4
1.2
2016
114
65
0.44
N/A
15.8
6.8
27.3
27.6
30.6
21.5
7.7
N/A
0.4
0.6
2015
102
61
0.46
N/A
17.6
7.2
27.1
28.4
26.2
21.1
7.9
N/A
0.9
1.0
2014
117
70
0.46
N/A
19.6
7.7
27.6
30.0
37.0
23.4
8.5
N/A
1.1
1.4
2013
130
66
0.43
0.25
19.9
8.9
27.9
30.1
35.3
20.8
8.4
N/A
0.9
0.6
2012
157
91
0.44
0.26
21.2
9.9
28.1
32.2
41.9
24.1
8.8
N/A
1.3
1.2
2011
203
89
0.47
0.22
20.0
12.2
28.3
33.5
41.3
22.6
9.6
N/A
0.9
1.5
2010
100
73
0.48
0.45
19.9
8.3
26.9
32.0
31.2
20.2
8.3
N/A
0.9
0.7
2009
108
69
0.52
0.31
20.1
8.2
25.6
29.3
38.2
19.9
N/A
N/A
1.8
0.8
2008
106
66
0.48
0.36
21.4
8.9
26.6
24.0
39.6
20.9
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.7
2007
129
70
0.54
0.47
23.5
9.5
25.2
21.7
47.6
21.2
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.4
2006
131
82
0.66
0.46
25.3
10.0
24.4
29.7
50.8
22.3
N/A
N/A
2.3
0.4
2005
109
80
0.74
0.55
25.9
11.4
22.2
27.8
44.6
21.5
N/A
N/A
2.5
0.3
2004
98
60
0.77
0.37
25.5
9.3
23.4
27.8
32.8
20.2
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.1
2003
101
74
0.90
0.30
26.8
10.0
23.7
29.2
42.6
21.8
N/A
N/A
1.4
0.1
2002
111
79
0.98
0.54
28.7
8.1
23.6
31.7
41.8
22.4
N/A
N/A
1.6
0.1
2001
106
86
1.00
0.40
28.6
5.2
22.3
34.2
37.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
0.2
2000
117
84
1.14
0.55
29.9
5.0
24.6
30.6
45.6
22.8
N/A
N/A
1.7
0.3
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
202.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
922.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
16%
Transportation
Phoenix has a robust public transit system encompassing buses, light rail, and shuttles. In contrast, Wichita mostly relies on buses for public transportation. Commute times are generally shorter in Wichita than in Phoenix.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
0
FAA registered aircraft
1
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
69
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Bicycle
0.4%
0.3%
Bus
1.8%
0.5%
Carpooled
12.2%
9.1%
Car alone
81.8%
87%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Average
28.6 min
21.6 min
Other means
26.4 min
18.7 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Phoenix's real estate market has been growing, driven by a surge in population and jobs. Home prices are higher compared to Wichita, where the real estate market is more modest but stable.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have diverse neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles. Phoenix neighborhoods like Paradise Valley and Ahwatukee Foothills are popular for their upscale homes and amenities, while Wichita’s Riverside and College Hill neighborhoods are known for their charming, historic homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Houses
644,625
176,357
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1974
Median year house/condo built
1983
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
156,668 (88.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
91,527 (58.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
65,141 (41.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,022
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$884
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$269,752
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$165,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
7
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$217,536
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$140,687
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$121,965
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$117,517
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$87,984
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$100,474
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$146,455
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$210,445
Median house age
36
47
Renting percentage
42.4%
38.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
1,299.1
House value disparities
30.8%
37.5%
Household income disparities
43.9%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$82,935
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$60,554
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,747 (3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
4,222 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
56,370 (97%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
321 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
5,142 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
3.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
2.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Wichita
One, detached
60.3%
65.1%
One, attached
4.9%
5.6%
Two
1.4%
4.6%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.7%
5 to 9
5.0%
3.6%
10 to 19
5.3%
5.3%
20 to 49
4.1%
4.3%
50 or more
11.3%
4.6%
Mobile homes
3.1%
2.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
8,733
State government workers
30,385
7,037
Unpaid family workers
1,048
256
Industries and Occupations
The top industries in Phoenix include healthcare, education, government, and technology. On the other hand, Wichita's economy is dominated by the aviation industry, with several major aircraft companies having facilities in the city.
Both cities are served by numerous healthcare institutions. Phoenix boasts high-ranking healthcare facilities like the Mayo Clinic, while Wichita offers quality healthcare facilities including the Wesley Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix has a more developed infrastructure with an extensive freeway system and a metro rail system. Wichita's infrastructure includes highways and intra-city road networks, but lacks robust public transport like Phoenix.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Wichita
Hospitals
48
24
TV stations
22
13
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
263
138
Bank institutions located here
41
34
Main business address for public companies
41
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Wichita
1999
5,846
2,785
2000
4,847
2,308
2001
3,823
1,808
2002
3,472
1,227
2003
5,750
1,260
2004
9,848
1,320
2005
15,879
1,401
2006
18,392
1,272
2007
9,797
1,037
2008
3,130
569
2009
1,614
324
Culture and Food
Phoenix boasts a rich blend of Native American, Spanish, and western cultures. This reflects in its art scene and food, with delicious Mexican cuisine being ubiquitous. Wichita, albeit smaller, offers a thriving arts scene and is known for its BBQ specialties.
Sports Teams
For sports enthusiasts, Phoenix offers more options, being home to NBA's Suns, NFL's Cardinals, MLB's Diamondbacks and NHL's Coyotes. Conversely, Wichita does not have any major professional sports teams, but does host the minor league baseball team, the Wichita Wind Surge.
Phoenix, AZ
Wichita, KS
Phoenix, AZ and 
Wichita, KS : 875.3 miles
