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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Los Angeles is 188% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,879/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 49%
$80,366/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 390%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 80%
$2,055/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 52%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $17,294/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Wichita — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Wichita?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Wichita?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $17,294/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Wichita details →

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