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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Fontana

California
146

Kansas City is 45% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,186/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 46%
$67,449/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 46%
$227,000 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 146%
$1,205/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 65%
508,233
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $30,738/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fontana — common questions

Is Kansas City or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fontana?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fontana?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $30,738/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Fontana details →

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