Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Wichita is 35% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $48,462 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 105 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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