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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Ontario

California
152

Wichita is 57% cheaper than Ontario.

$960/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 100%
$63,072/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 31%
$179,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 216%
$994/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 98%
396,488
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $19,734/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Ontario — common questions

Is Wichita or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Ontario?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Ontario?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $19,734/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Ontario

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa