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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Kansas City is 55% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 66%
$67,449/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 34%
$227,000 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 237%
$1,205/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 67%
508,233
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $785/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $9,420/year.

Median household income is $22,717/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Kansas City or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $785/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $22,717/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

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