Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Wichita is 18% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $61,765 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Raleigh scores 100 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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