Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
46% cheaper
Wichita is 46% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $40,645 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $535,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Long Beach scores 106 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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