Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Wichita is 6% more affordable than Chattanooga. A $75,000 salary in Chattanooga is equivalent to $70,787 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chattanooga has a housing index of 76 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Chattanooga costs $255,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Chattanooga versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chattanooga scores 94 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Chattanooga (92) match Wichita (92).
Median household income in Chattanooga is $46,054 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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