Fresno, CA vs Kansas City, KS: 101 vs 65

$1,324/mo ↑ 23%

Median Rent

$1,073/mo ↓ 19%

$66,804/yr ↑ 13%

Median Income

$59,183/yr ↓ 11%

$348,500 ↑ 137%

Home Value

$147,100 ↓ 58%

$1,391/mo ↑ 32%

Owner Costs

$1,054/mo ↓ 24%

543,615

Population

154,776

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $7,621/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Fresno or Kansas City cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 101 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fresno and Kansas City?

Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $251/month.

Which city has higher income, Fresno or Kansas City?

Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $7,621/year higher in Fresno.

How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

Should I move to Fresno or Kansas City?

It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Fresno

Kansas City

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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