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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Modesto

California
120

Kansas City is 33% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,186/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 36%
$67,449/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 15%
$227,000 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 83%
$1,205/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 34%
508,233
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $10,450/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Modesto — common questions

Is Kansas City or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Modesto?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Modesto?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $10,450/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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