Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Monterey, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 42.6% cheaper than Monterey, CA. This translates to saving $3195 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Monterey, CA, you'd need approximately $111,659.426 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 69.0% cheaper than in Monterey, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $2,387/month in Monterey, CA.

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

Moving from Monterey, CA to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $3195 per month, or $38341 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Monterey, CA — COL adjusted from San Jose, CA area + state data

Current salary in Monterey, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.7K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,195

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.3K

Per year

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

Monterey, CA

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:57

Median Home:$257K

Monterey, CA

The Golden State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 29K 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: Monterey, CA vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Monterey, CA	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,787/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $4,682less	69.0%
📦Other	$1,423/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $184more	12.9%
⚡All Utilities	$410/mo	$535/mo	↑ $125more	30.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,098/mo	$1,216/mo	↑ $118more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$949/mo	↓ $48.00less	4.8%
🏥Healthcare	$624/mo	$607/mo	↓ $16.65less	2.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.0%

Monterey, CA

$6,787

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$4,682

less

📦Other

↑ 12.9%

Monterey, CA

$1,423

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$184

⚡All Utilities

↑ 30.5%

Monterey, CA

$410

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$125

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.8%

Monterey, CA

$1,098

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$118

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.8%

Monterey, CA

$997

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$48.00

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.7%

Monterey, CA

$624

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$16.65

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Monterey, 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$1,591

To$1,180

↓ $411

1 Bed

From$1,923

To$1,280

↓ $643

2 Bed

From$2,387

To$1,460

↓ $927

3 Bed

From$3,448

To$1,900

↓ $1,548

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.

$11,339

Monthly in Monterey, CA

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$4,320

Difference

Home Values

Monterey

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

Monterey, 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

Monterey, 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.