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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Bakersfield

California
104

Kansas City is 23% cheaper than Bakersfield.

$1,186/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,371/mo ↑ 16%
$67,449/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,397/yr ↑ 15%
$227,000 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$347,300 ↑ 53%
$1,205/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,540/mo ↑ 28%
508,233
Population
408,366

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Bakersfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $9,948/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $347,300 in Bakersfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Bakersfield — common questions

Is Kansas City or Bakersfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Bakersfield?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Bakersfield it's $1,371/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Bakersfield?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $77,397 in Bakersfield. Median household income is $9,948/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and California?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,371/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Bakersfield details →

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