Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Wichita is 10% more affordable than Tucson. A $75,000 salary in Tucson is equivalent to $67,742 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. Tucson has a housing index of 83 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Tucson costs $265,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Tucson versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Tucson scores 98 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tucson (93) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Tucson is $43,425 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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