Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
48% cheaper
Wichita is 48% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $39,375 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $635,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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