Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Wichita is 7% more affordable than St. Louis. A $75,000 salary in St. Louis is equivalent to $70,000 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Louis scores 97 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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