Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Wichita is 16% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $63,000 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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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