Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Wichita is 3% more affordable than Cleveland. A $75,000 salary in Cleveland is equivalent to $72,414 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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