Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
45% cheaper
Wichita is 45% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $41,447 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Washington salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Seattle has a housing index of 224 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Seattle costs $750,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $585,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Seattle versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Seattle scores 109 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Seattle (109) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Seattle is $97,185 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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