Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Wichita is 16% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $63,000 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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