Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Wichita, Kansas

In Wichita, Kansas, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.26 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.19 below the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $913.35, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.81% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Wichita's cost-of-living index of 80 puts it below the national average of 100.

StatesKansasWichita

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.26

National: $3.45

121.7%vs. 2022

Avg Rent (All)

$913.35

National: $1,900

80.3%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.81%

Year-over-year

Fast Food Avg

$9.70

Combo meal

4.9%YoY

Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.69$1.97$2.55$3.85$2.12+25.4%
Milk (gallon)$3.35$3.66$3.59$3.70$3.70+10.4%
Ground Beef (lb)$3.56$4.41$4.68$4.96$5.11+43.5%
Bread (loaf)$2.07$2.82$3.08$3.30$3.37+62.8%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.47$3.71$3.90$3.90$3.90+12.4%
Butter (lb)$3.90$4.32$4.49$4.67$4.81+23.3%
Bacon (lb)$5.92$6.39$6.71$6.98$7.12+20.3%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$5.28$5.87$6.04$6.16$6.22+17.8%
Pasta (lb)$1.32$1.64$1.72$1.79$1.81+37.1%
Rice (5 lb)$3.90$4.44$4.66$4.71$4.76+22.1%
Coffee (12 oz)$7.59$8.93$9.64$10.12$10.42+37.3%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$3.39$3.96$4.31$4.52$4.65+37.2%
Potatoes (5 lb)$3.61$3.86$4.01$4.21$4.34+20.2%
Apples (3 lb)$4.31$4.43$4.65$4.79$4.98+15.5%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.04$2.28$2.47$2.62$2.67+30.9%
Lettuce (head)$1.71$1.92$2.07$2.17$2.21+29.2%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.21$6.58$7.04$7.39$7.54+44.7%
Yogurt (32 oz)$3.71$4.09$4.25$4.42$4.60+24.0%
Cereal (family size)$4.28$5.02$5.37$5.47$5.47+27.8%
Frozen Pizza$5.76$6.98$7.61$8.07$8.15+41.5%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$9.70

Casual Dining

$19.14

Monthly Spend

$295.69

+4.88% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $6.01

$9.70

+61.4%

Wendy's

2022: $6.79

$10.48

+54.3%

Chipotle

2022: $7.27

$10.86

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $3.53

$4.90

+38.8%

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