Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Wichita is 21% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $58,879 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
Amazon affiliate links