Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Wichita is 22% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $58,333 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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