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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Fresno is 55% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,324/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 27%
$66,804/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 6%
$348,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 48%
$1,391/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 29%
543,615
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $3,732/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Wichita — common questions

Is Fresno or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Wichita?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Wichita?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $3,732/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Wichita details →

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