Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Wichita is 6% more affordable than Des Moines. A $75,000 salary in Des Moines 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: Iowa salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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