Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Wichita is 25% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $56,250 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Naperville scores 104 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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