Delaware vs Kansas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Delaware
$84,842
in Kansas
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Delaware | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 102.3 | 76.9 | +33% |
| Groceries | 101.3 | 95.9 | +6% |
| Utilities | 97.6 | 98.1 | -1% |
| Transportation | 100.6 | 90.7 | +11% |
| Healthcare | 103.9 | 94.5 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 106.3 | 91.4 | +16% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 88.4 | +17% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Delaware.
What things actually cost
| Item | Delaware | Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $215,000 | +$125,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,432/mo | $1,077/mo | +$355 |
| Gas price | $3.38/gal | $2.96/gal | +$0.42 |
| Electric bill | $120/mo | $99/mo | +$21 |
| Infant childcare | $16,220/yr | $9,105/yr | +$7,115 |
Salary equivalent: Delaware → Kansas
What a Delaware salary buys you in Kansas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Delaware | Equivalent in Kansas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,871 | +$7,129 |
| $75,000 | $64,306 | +$10,694 |
| $100,000 | $85,742 | +$14,258 |
| $150,000 | $128,613 | +$21,387 |
| $200,000 | $171,484 | +$28,516 |
Positive = your money goes further in Kansas. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Delaware is 17% more expensive than Kansas overall. Delaware has an index of 103.1 vs 88.4 for Kansas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Kansas?
Kansas is cheaper to live in. Delaware is 17% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $215,000 in Kansas.
Is Kansas cheaper than Delaware?
Yes, Kansas is 17% cheaper than Delaware overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Delaware more expensive than Kansas?
Yes, Delaware is 17% more expensive than Kansas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Kansas equals $100,000 in Delaware?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Delaware, you would need approximately $85,742 in Kansas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 88.4).
How do housing costs compare between Delaware and Kansas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kansas. Median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $215,000 in Kansas — a $125,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,432/mo vs $1,077/mo.
What costs more in Delaware vs Kansas?
Housing is 33% higher in Delaware (index 102.3 vs 76.9). Dining & Misc is 16% higher in Delaware (index 106.3 vs 91.4). Transportation is 11% higher in Delaware (index 100.6 vs 90.7).
Is gas cheaper in Delaware or Kansas?
Gas averages $3.38/gallon in Delaware and $2.96/gallon in Kansas — a $0.42 difference per gallon.
Delaware vs Kansas cost of living — how do they compare?
Delaware has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Kansas has 88.4 (national average = 100). Delaware is 17% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Delaware and Kansas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Delaware vs Kansas paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Delaware Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Delaware vs Kansas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Delaware — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Kansas — How much house can you afford?
- Delaware Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kansas Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Delaware Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.