Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Wichita is 18% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $61,165 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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