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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Fontana

California
146

Wichita is 55% cheaper than Fontana.

$960/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 81%
$63,072/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 56%
$179,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 211%
$994/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 100%
396,488
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $773/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $9,276/year.

Median household income is $35,115/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Fontana — common questions

Is Wichita or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Fontana?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $773/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Fontana?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $35,115/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Fontana details →

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