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

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Kansas City is 70% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,073/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 107%
$59,183/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 75%
$147,100 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 610%
$1,054/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 122%
154,776
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,145/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $13,740/year.

Median household income is $44,595/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Kansas City or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Pasadena?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,145/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Pasadena?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $44,595/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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