Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Wichita is 21% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $58,879 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Utah salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Salt Lake City has a housing index of 120 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Salt Lake City costs $440,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Salt Lake City versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Salt Lake City scores 99 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Salt Lake City (97) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $60,590 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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