Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Wichita is 21% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $59,434 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Madison scores 101 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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