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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Modesto

California
120

Wichita is 46% cheaper than Modesto.

$960/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 68%
$63,072/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 24%
$179,500 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 132%
$994/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 62%
396,488
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $14,827/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Modesto — common questions

Is Wichita or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Modesto?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Modesto?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $14,827/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Modesto

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