Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Brea, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 39.1% cheaper than Brea, CA. This translates to saving $2933 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Brea, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Brea, CA, you'd need approximately $114,806.448 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Brea, CA and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 59.4% cheaper than in Brea, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $2,162/month in Brea, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Brea, CA to Kansas City, MO?

Moving from Brea, CA to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $2933 per month, or $35194 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brea, CA vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brea, CA — COL adjusted from Santa Ana, CA area + state data

Current salary in Brea, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $114.8K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 39.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,933

Savings

Annual Impact

$35.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Brea, CA

Population:48K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$833K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$257K

Brea, CA

The Golden State

48K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 48K residents.

Kansas City, MO

The Show-Me State

508K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 508K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brea, CA vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Brea, CA	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,185/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $3,080less	59.4%
🚗Transportation	$2,071/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $856less	41.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,018/mo	$949/mo	↓ $68.77less	6.8%
🏥Healthcare	$540/mo	$607/mo	↑ $66.99more	12.4%
📦Other	$1,655/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $47.68less	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$535/mo	↓ $10.51less	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 59.4%

Brea, CA

$5,185

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$3,080

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 41.3%

Brea, CA

$2,071

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$856

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Brea, CA

$1,018

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$68.77

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.4%

Brea, CA

$540

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$66.99

📦Other

↓ 2.9%

Brea, CA

$1,655

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$47.68

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.9%

Brea, CA

$546

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$10.51

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Kansas City, MO: Kansas City Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Brea, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,428

To$1,180

↓ $248

1 Bed

From$1,672

To$1,280

↓ $392

2 Bed

From$2,162

To$1,460

↓ $702

3 Bed

From$3,100

To$1,900

↓ $1,200

Kansas City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,800/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,015

Monthly in Brea, CA

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$3,996

Difference

Home Values

Brea

Kansas City

Median Value

$257K

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Calculate payment - Kansas City

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Brea, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Kansas City, MO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Missouri State Tax

Effective: 5.3%

$7.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$44.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,755/month

$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Brea, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Kansas City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.