Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
56% cheaper
Wichita is 56% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $33,158 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. Santa Barbara has a housing index of 340 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Barbara costs $1,200,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $1,035,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Santa Barbara versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Santa Barbara scores 112 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Santa Barbara (110) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Santa Barbara is $70,819 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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