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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Kansas City is 27% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,186/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 21%
$67,449/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 5%
$227,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 70%
$1,205/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 23%
508,233
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $3,461/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Kansas City or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $3,461/year higher in Kansas City.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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