Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Wichita is 21% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago 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: Illinois salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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