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

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Wichita is 70% cheaper than Pasadena.

$960/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 131%
$63,072/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 65%
$179,500 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 482%
$994/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 135%
396,488
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,258/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $15,096/year.

Median household income is $40,706/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Wichita or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Pasadena?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,258/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Pasadena?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $40,706/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wichita details → View Pasadena details →

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