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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $959/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Wichita, KS area
Overall Cost
12.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$959
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$11.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Wichita, KS

Population:396K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$202K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:113
Median Home:$512K

Wichita, KS

The Sunflower State

396K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 396K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Research Triangle
  • State capital
  • Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wichita, KS vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
33.8%
Wichita, KS
$1,845
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$624
more
🚗Transportation
6.8%
Wichita, KS
$1,202
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
more
🛒Groceries
7.9%
Wichita, KS
$889
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$69.95
more
📦Other
4.1%
Wichita, KS
$1,641
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$66.96
more
🏥Healthcare
3.2%
Wichita, KS
$582
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$18.59
more
All Utilities
2.0%
Wichita, KS
$535
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$10.93
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$790
To$1,570
$780
1 Bed
From$855
To$1,640
$785
2 Bed
From$1,110
To$1,800
$690
3 Bed
From$1,455
To$2,255
$800
Wichita, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $680$1,280/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,695
Monthly in Wichita, KS
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$872
Difference

Home Values

Wichita
Raleigh
$202K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +0.2%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +40.5%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$86K - $424K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 154% more expensive than Wichita

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$108
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.9%
Rate difference

Wichita, KS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kansas State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,714/month
$104.6K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Wichita, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Wichita
Raleigh
43 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
75.1%
Good Air Days
61.7%
97 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kansas and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

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