Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 48.1% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $3605 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $106,739.758 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 72.8% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

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

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $3605 per month, or $43260 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

Tap to swap

Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.7K in Kansas City, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 48.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,605

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.3K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:52

Median Home:$257K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $5,644less	72.8%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $943less	43.7%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $124less	7.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$949/mo	↓ $90.93less	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$607/mo	↑ $53.28more	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$535/mo	↓ $21.86less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$5,644

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 43.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$943

less

📦Other

↓ 7.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$124

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$90.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.6%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$53.28

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$21.86

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Angeles, 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$1,910

To$1,180

↓ $730

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,280

↓ $855

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,460

↓ $1,200

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$1,900

↓ $1,470

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$6,770

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Kansas City

$885K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 71% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles, 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

Los Angeles, 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.