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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Kansas City is 59% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,186/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 79%
$67,449/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 55%
$227,000 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 279%
$1,205/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 87%
508,233
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $36,770/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Kansas City or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fullerton?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fullerton?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $36,770/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Fullerton details →

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