Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Wichita is 10% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $67,742 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. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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