Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Wichita is 34% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $49,219 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Sacramento scores 104 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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