Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Wichita is 13% more affordable than New Orleans. A $75,000 salary in New Orleans is equivalent to $64,948 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Louisiana salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. New Orleans has a housing index of 95 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in New Orleans costs $245,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in New Orleans versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: New Orleans scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in New Orleans (94) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in New Orleans is $43,258 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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