Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Wichita is 10% more affordable than Lexington. A $75,000 salary in Lexington 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: Kentucky salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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