Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Wichita is 43% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $42,568 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $585,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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