Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and one of the most affordable places to rent in the country. Sitting in the heart of the Great Plains, the city offers a lower cost of living than most major metros without sacrificing access to arts, culture, sports, and outdoor recreation. From the restored brick warehouses of Old Town to the eclectic area of Delano, Wichita rewards renters who take the time to explore its distinct neighborhoods.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Wichita, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Wichita based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Wichita for renters are:
Old Town
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Wichita: $842/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Old Town: $955/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Old Town: 768 sq. ft.
Why Old Town is good for renters
Old Town is one of Wichita's most walkable districts and is built around a cluster of restored 19th-century brick warehouses that have restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and the Museum of World Treasures. Renters can step outside and reach a weekend farmers market, live music venues, and local breweries without needing a car. The neighborhood's pedestrian-friendly layout and mix of loft-style apartments in converted buildings gives Old Town a character you won't find in newer suburban communities.
Keep in mind
Old Town is one of Wichita's busiest entertainment districts, so renters near the heart of the neighborhood should expect some weekend noise and limited parking on heavy event weekends.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
60Old Town has a walkability score of 60 out of 100. |
30Old Town has a transit score of 30 out of 100. |
80Old Town has a drivability score of 80 out of 100. |
70Old Town has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100. |
Delano
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Wichita: $842/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Delano: $1,477/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Delano: 785 sq. ft.
Why Delano is good for renters
Delano sits just west of the Arkansas River and has built a reputation as one of Wichita's most interesting neighborhoods. The main commercial strip along West Douglas Avenue is lined with independent restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops that give the area a local feel. The neighborhood's proximity to the Arkansas River trail system also means renters have easy access to outdoor recreation right outside their door.
Keep in mind
Delano is still in an active phase of development, so renters may encounter a mix of well-renovated blocks alongside areas that are still catching up.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
60Delano has a walkability score of 60 out of 100. |
30Delano has a transit score of 30 out of 100. |
80Delano has a drivability score of 80 out of 100. |
70Delano has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100. |
West Wichita
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Wichita: $842/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in West Wichita: $793/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in West Wichita: 666 sq. ft.
Why West Wichita is good for renters
West Wichita sits just west of the Arkansas River and combines suburban comfort with affordability. This family-friendly community is home to expansive parks, like Sedgwick County Park- a 63-acre park where residents have access to open green spaces, barbecue grills, softball and baseball fields, and seven lakes perfect for fishing. Local restaurants, shopping centers, and bars can be found in Outer West Wichita. West Wichita is sure to make every renter feel right at home.
Keep in mind
West Wichita is set apart from the heart of the city and public transit is scarce, so travel in and out of Wichita can be difficult.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
50West Wichita has a walkability score of 50 out of 100. |
30West Wichita has a transit score of 30 out of 100. |
90West Wichita has a drivability score of 90 out of 100. |
50West Wichita has a bikeability score of 50 out of 100. |
Southeast Wichita
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Wichita: $842/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Southeast Wichita: $702/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Southeast Wichita: 642 sq. ft.
Why Southeast Wichita is good for renters
Southeast Wichita is a growing suburban neighborhood located around three miles from Downtown Wichita. Despite its proximity to downtown, Southeast Wichita residents often prefer to stay closer to home and shop, dine, and explore East Harry Street and East Lincoln Street. Easy access to I-35 makes traveling across the city seamless. Southeast Wichita is the perfect place for renters who want to be close to Downtown Wichita’s action at an affordable price.
Keep in mind
Rideshare services and public transit do not run regularly throughout Southeast Wichita, so many residents rely on cars or personal vehicles for transportation.
|
Somewhat Walkable |
Very Drivable |
Fairly Bikeable |
20Southeast Wichita has a walkability score of 20 out of 100. |
80Southeast Wichita has a drivability score of 80 out of 100. |
40Southeast Wichita has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100. |
Downtown Wichita
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Wichita: $842/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Wichita: $1,307/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Wichita: 709 sq. ft.
Why Downtown Wichita is good for renters
Downtown Wichita puts renters within walking distance of INTRUST Bank Arena, the Arkansas River Path, and a growing number of restaurants and coffee shops along Douglas Avenue. High-rise and mid-rise apartment communities offer city views and easy access to major employers. Downtown Wichita is well-positioned for commuters with quick connections to I-235 and I-135, making it easy to travel across the metro. The Arkansas River trail system is a flat, well-maintained path that runs for miles and connects several of the city's most popular destinations, like the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit and Celebration Plaza.
Keep in mind
Downtown Wichita's walkability is improving, but most residents still require a car for most grocery runs and errands outside the immediate area.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
70Downtown Wichita has a walkability score of 70 out of 100. |
40Downtown Wichita has a transit score of 40 out of 100. |
100Downtown Wichita has a drivability score of 100 out of 100. |
80Downtown Wichita has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100. |
Ready to Make the Move?
Wichita's rental market offers some of the best value of any city its size in the country, and each of these neighborhoods has something special to offer. Whether you're drawn to the walkable streets of Old Town, the riverside views in Delano, or the convenience of Downtown Wichita, Apartments.com makes it easy to find your next rental.
Browse current Wichita apartments on Apartments.com to see available units, view photos and floor plans, and connect directly with properties. Your next home in Wichita is closer than you think.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is Wichita a good place to live?
Wichita is a solid choice for renters who want a city with attractive amenities like professional sports, museums, arts, and a growing restaurant culture without the price tag of larger metros.
What is the average rent in Wichita?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wichita is approximately $842/month, making it one of the more affordable large cities in the Midwest. Studio apartments average around $607/month, while 2-bedroom units average approximately $1,040/month.
Is Wichita affordable compared to other cities?
Yes. Wichita consistently ranks among the more affordable cities in the country. Kansas has an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,071/month and is ranked the 10th most affordable state in the United States.
What is the lifestyle like in Wichita?
Wichita combines a community-focused feel with the cultural depth that comes with a big city. The city has a strong live music and brewery scene and easy access to the Arkansas River trail system for cycling and walking. Most residents get around by car, though walkable neighborhoods like Old Town and Delano make it possible to live car-light in certain areas of Wichita.
