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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Santa Ana is 151% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,975/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 46%
$88,354/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 33%
$657,800 ↑ 347%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 78%
$1,965/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 46%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $902/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $10,824/year.

Median household income is $29,171/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Kansas City?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $902/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Kansas City?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $29,171/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

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