Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Wichita is 8% more affordable than Grand Rapids. A $75,000 salary in Grand Rapids is equivalent to $69,231 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. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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