Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Wichita is 18% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $61,165 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Richmond scores 100 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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