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

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Kansas City is 61% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,073/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 104%
$59,183/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 73%
$147,100 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 303%
$1,054/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 111%
154,776
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,118/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $13,416/year.

Median household income is $43,138/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Kansas City or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fairfield?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,118/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fairfield?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $43,138/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Fairfield details →

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