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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Downey

California
169

Wichita is 62% cheaper than Downey.

$960/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 97%
$63,072/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 39%
$179,500 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 306%
$994/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 101%
396,488
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $24,328/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Downey — common questions

Is Wichita or Downey 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 Wichita and Downey?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Downey?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,328/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Downey details →

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