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

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Kansas City is 71% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,073/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 123%
$59,183/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 86%
$147,100 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 617%
$1,054/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 134%
154,776
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,322/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $15,864/year.

Median household income is $50,890/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Kansas City or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,322/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $50,890/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and California?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Costa Mesa

Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria