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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Hayward

California
200

Wichita is 68% cheaper than Hayward.

$960/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 146%
$63,072/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 80%
$179,500 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 357%
$994/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 143%
396,488
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,400/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $16,800/year.

Median household income is $50,703/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Hayward — common questions

Is Wichita or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Hayward?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,400/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Hayward?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $50,703/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

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