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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Sacramento is 52% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,694/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 30%
$83,753/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↓ 19%
$484,600 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 53%
$1,752/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 31%
524,802
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $16,304/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Kansas City?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Kansas City?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $16,304/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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