Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Wichita is 12% more affordable than Fort Worth. A $75,000 salary in Fort Worth is equivalent to $66,316 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. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Worth scores 96 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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