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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Oakland is 130% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,917/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 50%
$97,369/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 35%
$924,700 ↑ 415%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 81%
$2,164/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 54%
438,072
Population
396,488

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $34,297/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Wichita — common questions

Is Oakland or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Wichita?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Wichita?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $34,297/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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.
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