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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Wichita

Kansas
65

Sacramento is 103% more expensive than Wichita.

$1,694/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$960/mo ↓ 43%
$83,753/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$63,072/yr ↓ 25%
$484,600 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$179,500 ↓ 63%
$1,752/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$994/mo ↓ 43%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Wichita, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $20,681/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $179,500 in Wichita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Wichita — common questions

Is Sacramento or Wichita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Wichita?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Wichita it's $960/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Wichita?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $63,072 in Wichita. Median household income is $20,681/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Wichita?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Wichita details →

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