Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Wichita is 21% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia 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: Pennsylvania salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Philadelphia scores 104 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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