Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Jackson and Wichita have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Mississippi salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jackson has a housing index of 56 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Jackson costs $125,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Jackson versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jackson scores 95 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jackson (88) are lower than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Jackson is $36,528 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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