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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Kansas City is 51% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,186/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 67%
$67,449/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 31%
$227,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 190%
$1,205/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 63%
508,233
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $789/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $9,468/year.

Median household income is $20,905/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Kansas City or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $789/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $20,905/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Santa Ana

Kansas City vs. Sacramento Kansas City vs. Mesa Kansas City vs. Tucson Kansas City vs. Atlanta Kansas City vs. Fresno Kansas City vs. Omaha Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul