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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

San Diego is 146% more expensive than Kansas City.

$2,223/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 47%
$104,321/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↓ 35%
$848,500 ↑ 274%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 73%
$2,308/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 48%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,037/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $12,444/year.

Median household income is $36,872/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Kansas City — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Kansas City?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $1,037/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Kansas City?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $36,872/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Kansas City details →

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