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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Wichita is 71% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$960/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 149%
$63,072/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 75%
$179,500 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 488%
$994/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 148%
396,488
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,435/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $17,220/year.

Median household income is $47,001/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Wichita or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,435/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,001/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and California?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Costa Mesa

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