Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Wichita is 29% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $53,390 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $355,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Denver scores 102 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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