Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Wichita is 17% more affordable than Durham. A $75,000 salary in Durham is equivalent to $62,376 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Durham scores 100 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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