Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Wichita is 6% more affordable than Detroit. A $75,000 salary in Detroit 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: Michigan salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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