Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Wichita is 24% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $57,273 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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