Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Wichita is 32% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $51,220 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. Scottsdale has a housing index of 162 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $415,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Scottsdale scores 103 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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