Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Long Beach is 160% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,803/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 40%
$83,969/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 30%
$762,200 ↑ 418%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 81%
$1,890/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 44%
458,491
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $730/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $8,760/year.

Median household income is $24,786/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Long Beach or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Kansas City?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $730/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Kansas City?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $24,786/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Kansas City details →

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