Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Wichita is 5% more affordable than Knoxville. A $75,000 salary in Knoxville is equivalent to $71,591 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Knoxville scores 94 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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