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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Kansas

Missouri
80

Fresno is 21% more expensive than Kansas.

$1,324/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 10%
$66,804/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,449/yr ≈ Same
$348,500 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 35%
$1,391/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 13%
543,615
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Kansas, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Kansas, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $645/year higher in Kansas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $227,000 in Kansas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Kansas — common questions

Is Fresno or Kansas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Kansas?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Kansas it's $1,186/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Kansas?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $67,449 in Kansas. Median household income is $645/year higher in Kansas.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Kansas?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Kansas has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,186/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Kansas details →