Wichita, KS Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Wichita, KS metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Wichita
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Wichita, KS metropolitan area run 11.0% below the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 89.0 on a base of 100). That puts Wichita among the most affordable metros nationally.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Kansas household — see the Kansas state report.
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS?
The Wichita, KS metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 89.0 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 11.0% below the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Wichita an affordable place to live?
Wichita, KS has an InflationRank score of 84/100 (grade B), reflecting above-average affordability relative to U.S. metros. The metro RPP of 89.0 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Wichita compare to other cities for cost of living?
Wichita, KS has a cost-of-living index of 89.0 (U.S.=100), 11.0% below the national average. Similar-cost metros include Toledo, OH (RPP 89.0), Memphis, TN (RPP 89.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →