Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Wichita is 15% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $63,636 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Norfolk has a housing index of 95 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Norfolk costs $250,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Norfolk versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Norfolk scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Norfolk (99) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Norfolk is $51,938 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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