Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Wichita is 8% more affordable than Louisville. A $75,000 salary in Louisville 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: Kentucky salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Louisville scores 96 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
Amazon affiliate links