Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Wichita is 10% more affordable than Kansas City. A $75,000 salary in Kansas City is equivalent to $67,742 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Kansas City has a housing index of 80 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Kansas City scores 97 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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