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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

San Francisco is 311% more expensive than Kansas City.

$2,419/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 56%
$141,446/yr ↑ 139%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 58%
$1,380,500 ↑ 838%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 89%
$2,620/mo ↑ 149%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 60%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,346/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $16,152/year.

Median household income is $82,263/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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

San Francisco vs Kansas City — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Kansas City?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $1,346/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Kansas City?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $82,263/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Kansas City details →

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