Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
44% cheaper
Kansas City is 44% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $42,018 in Kansas City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Kansas City has a housing index of 80 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $630,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Kansas City scores 97 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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