Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Wichita is 28% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $53,846 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Washington salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tacoma has a housing index of 140 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Tacoma costs $400,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $235,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Tacoma versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Tacoma scores 105 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tacoma (106) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Tacoma is $58,974 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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