Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Pasadena, TX (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Kansas City is 5% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,186/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 1%
$67,449/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 5%
$227,000 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 15%
$1,205/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 5%
508,233
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,179/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pasadena residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Kansas City or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Pasadena?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Pasadena?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $3,179/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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