Quality of Life in Wichita, KS, on a $118,275 Salary

Understanding the quality of life relative to income in Wichita, KS, requires considering several key factors: cost of living, housing market, quality of life, healthcare access, and education quality. Each contributes to how comfortably one might live on a salary of $118,275 per year compared to the broader United States.

Cost of Living

• General Overview: Wichita's cost of living is noticeably lower than the U.S. average, making it more affordable than many other cities.
• Cost Indices:
  • Groceries and Utilities: Reasonable compared to national levels.
  • Transportation: Lower costs due to shorter commutes and less traffic congestion.
  • Healthcare and Services: Slightly below national averages, adding to disposable income potential.

Housing Market

• Affordability:
  • The median home price in Wichita is significantly lower than the national median, often less than half.
  • Property taxes are competitively low, increasing affordability further.
• Renting vs. Buying:
  • Renting remains an affordable option, though buying a home often provides long-term financial benefits due to low mortgage rates and competitive pricing.

Quality of Life

• Community and Lifestyle:

  • A family-friendly and tight-knit community atmosphere, characterized by mid-sized city convenience with less hustle compared to major metropolitan areas.
  • Abundant recreational activities and cultural events.

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Favorable with shorter commutes and flexible job opportunities in key sectors like aviation and manufacturing.

Access to Healthcare

• Healthcare Facilities:

  • Several well-regarded hospitals and healthcare centers, including specialized treatment facilities.
  • Insurance rates and healthcare costs are manageable due to competitive market forces.

• Quality:

  • High standards of care with experienced professionals, boasting above-average satisfaction indexes in patient care.

Quality of K-12 Schools

• Public and Private Schools:

  • Diverse options are available, with many public schools rated above average.
  • Opportunities for specialized programs and active local community support for schools.

• Educational Outcomes:

  • Students in Wichita generally perform well in standardized testing compared to national averages.
  • Strong emphasis on STEM education and vocational training.

Summary

A salary of $118,275 in Wichita, KS, supports a comfortable lifestyle owing to the