Wichita ranks in top 15 US cities for increases in rent prices, analysis finds
Wichita recently saw the 14th greatest percent increase in typical rent out of 100 U.S. cities, according to a recent report.
The March 26 analysis from financial website SmartAsset, “Where Rent Increased and Decreased Most – 2026 Study” found San Francisco had the greatest increase in rent, while Austin, Texas had the greatest decrease.
The rent price analysis compared 100 of the largest U.S. cities and found the average rent increase was 1.73% from 2025 to 2026. Cities were ranked on their performance from 2025 to 2026, but data was also included for a five-year change in rent cost.
SmartAsset reported typical rent in Wichita is $1,125 per month, compared to a $1,080 price tag last year, with an increase of 4.13% over the one-year period.
To compile the report, SmartAsset used data from the Zillow Observed Rent Index for February 2026 and February 2025, as well as February 2021 for the five-year comparison.
SmartAsset found Wichita’s typical rent price increased by 32.63% from February 2021 to February 2026.
Although Wichita landed in the top 15 cities for greatest increases in rent prices, typical rent in Wichita is still below the national average of $1,843.
On one measure, home sale prices have had a steeper increase than rent in Wichita over the last year — according to data from real estate company Redfin, Wichita’s median sale price increased by 7.4% from February 2025 to February 2026. However, the city’s median home sale price per square foot only increased by 2.5%.
Here’s how Wichita compared to other U.S. cities for increase in rent.
Where has rent increased the most nationally?
Here’s how the top 15 U.S. cities compared for percent increase in typical rent cost from 2025 to 2026, according to SmartAsset:
1. San Francisco: 13.94% one-year increase in typical rent
2. Reno, N.V.: 6.49%
3. Chicago: 6.49%
4. Virginia Beach, Va.: 5.36%
5. New York City: 5.36%
6. Lexington, Ky.: 5.1%
7. Oakland, Calif.: 5.04%
8. Minneapolis, Minn.: 5.01%
9. Toledo, Ohio: 4.77%
10. Cleveland: 4.76%
11. Honolulu: 4.64%
12. San Jose, Calif.: 4.45%
13. Richmond, Va.: 4.16%
14. Wichita, Kansas: 4.13%
15. Rochester, N.Y.: 4.03%
The U.S. cities with the greatest percent decrease in typical rent included Austin, Texas, Saint Petersburg, Fla., Washington, D.C., San Antonio and Phoenix, according to SmartAsset’s analysis.
This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 2:43 PM.
