Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Wichita, KS (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Bakersfield is 39% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,371/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 30%
$77,397/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 19%
$347,300 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 48%
$1,540/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 35%
408,366
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $14,325/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Wichita — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Wichita?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Wichita?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $14,325/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Wichita has a cost index of 65 with rent of $960/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Wichita details →