Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Wichita is 33% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $50,400 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kansas salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Wichita has a housing index of 62 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Wichita costs $165,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Wichita versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Wichita scores 95 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Wichita (92) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Wichita is $52,428 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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