Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Wichita is 12% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $65,625 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. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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