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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Long Beach is 160% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,803/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 47%
$83,969/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 25%
$762,200 ↑ 325%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 76%
$1,890/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 47%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $20,897/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Wichita — common questions

Is Long Beach or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Wichita?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Wichita?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $20,897/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Wichita details →

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