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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Wichita is 61% cheaper than Fairfield.

$960/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 128%
$63,072/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 62%
$179,500 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 230%
$994/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 124%
396,488
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,231/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $14,772/year.

Median household income is $39,249/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Wichita or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Fairfield?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,231/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Fairfield?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $39,249/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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