Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Wichita is 7% more affordable than Omaha. A $75,000 salary in Omaha is equivalent to $70,000 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nebraska salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Omaha has a housing index of 76 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Omaha costs $230,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Omaha versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Omaha scores 97 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Omaha (96) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Omaha is $59,612 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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