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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Ontario is 134% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,916/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 44%
$82,806/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 29%
$568,000 ↑ 286%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 74%
$1,967/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 46%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $23,623/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Kansas City?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Kansas City?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $23,623/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Kansas City

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood