Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than South Pasadena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 41.7% cheaper than South Pasadena, CA. This translates to saving $3128 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in South Pasadena, CA, you'd need approximately $112,464.397 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 66.1% cheaper than in South Pasadena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $2,332/month in South Pasadena, CA.

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

Moving from South Pasadena, CA to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $3128 per month, or $37536 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South Pasadena, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in South Pasadena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.5K in Kansas City, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 41.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,128

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.5K

Per year

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

South Pasadena, CA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.62M

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$257K

South Pasadena, CA

The Golden State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 26K 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: South Pasadena, CA vs Kansas City, MO

Category	South Pasadena, CA	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,213/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $4,108less	66.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,923/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $707less	36.8%
🏥Healthcare	$523/mo	$607/mo	↑ $84.38more	16.1%
📦Other	$1,542/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $64.99more	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$982/mo	$949/mo	↓ $32.54less	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$535/mo	↑ $9.43more	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 66.1%

South Pasadena, CA

$6,213

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$4,108

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.8%

South Pasadena, CA

$1,923

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$707

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.1%

South Pasadena, CA

$523

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$84.38

📦Other

↑ 4.2%

South Pasadena, CA

$1,542

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$64.99

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.3%

South Pasadena, CA

$982

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$32.54

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.8%

South Pasadena, CA

$526

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$9.43

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

South Pasadena, 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$1,674

To$1,180

↓ $494

1 Bed

From$1,870

To$1,280

↓ $590

2 Bed

From$2,332

To$1,460

↓ $872

3 Bed

From$2,953

To$1,900

↓ $1,053

South Pasadena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,470–$2,470/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.

$11,709

Monthly in South Pasadena, CA

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$4,689

Difference

Home Values

South Pasadena

Kansas City

$1.62M

Median Value

$257K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +36.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$1.62M

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 84% less expensive than South Pasadena

Calculate payment - South Pasadena 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

South Pasadena, 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

South Pasadena, 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.