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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Orange

California
206

Kansas City is 61% cheaper than Orange.

$1,186/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 90%
$67,449/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 73%
$227,000 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 297%
$1,205/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 99%
508,233
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,066/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $12,792/year.

Median household income is $49,496/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Orange — common questions

Is Kansas City or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Orange?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,066/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Orange?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $49,496/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Orange

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