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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Kansas City is 53% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,186/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 52%
$67,449/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 24%
$227,000 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 236%
$1,205/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 57%
508,233
Population
458,491

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
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $16,520/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Kansas City or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Long Beach?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Long Beach?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $16,520/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Long Beach details →

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