| Index | Wichita | Kansas | National |
| Cost of living | 91 | 90 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 79 | 77 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 94 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 92 | 94 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 94 | 93 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Wichita? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Wichita stands at 91, making it 9% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Wichita aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Wichita residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 31 residents in Wichita to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 65% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 35% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Wichita affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Wichita, the median home price is 23.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 14.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Wichita boasting a median household income of $78,935, 2.9% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Wichita, healthcare costs are 5.8% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Wichita, the transportation index is 3.3% lower than the national average.
The Wichita cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.
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| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
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| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $108,683 | $9,057 | $2,536 | $3,261 |
| Renters | $50,411 | $4,201 | $1,176 | $1,512 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Kansas | 6.5% | 11.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Kansas | 3.1% | 4.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Oaklawn-Sunview, KS | 3,476 | 80 | 20.4% |
| Haysville, KS | 11,544 | 88 | 11.6% |
| Mulvane, KS | 6,166 | 89 | 11.1% |
| Bentley, KS | 489 | 90 | 10.5% |
| Benton, KS | 918 | 91 | 9.0% |
| Wichita, KS | 398,457 | 91 | 9.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Aurora, CO | 393,102 | 126 | 25.9% |
| Tampa, FL | 403,927 | 114 | 14.5% |
| Cleveland, OH | 391,340 | 81 | 18.9% |
| Bakersfield, CA | 390,909 | 123 | 23.3% |
| Arlington, TX | 406,065 | 101 | 0.6% |
| Wichita, KS | 398,457 | 91 | 9.0% |
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