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

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Orange

California
206

Kansas City is 68% cheaper than Orange.

$1,073/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 110%
$59,183/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 98%
$147,100 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 512%
$1,054/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 127%
154,776
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,179/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $14,148/year.

Median household income is $57,762/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Orange — common questions

Is Kansas City or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Orange?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,179/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Orange?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $57,762/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Orange

Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City