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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Los Angeles is 134% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,879/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 37%
$80,366/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↓ 16%
$879,500 ↑ 287%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 74%
$2,055/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 41%
3,857,897
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $693/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $8,316/year.

Median household income is $12,917/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Kansas City?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $693/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Kansas City?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $12,917/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,186/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

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