Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Kansas City, MO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

31.6% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
52.8% 52.8% cheaper housing
12.7% 12.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 52.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 12.7% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 20.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1369331.6% less
Housing1788452.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,10056.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$240,00072.7% less
Groceries1109612.7% less
Transportation12510020.0% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax13.30% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Kansas City, MO
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Kansas City costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Kansas City to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Los Angeles to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Kansas City → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Kansas City →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Kansas City cheaper to live in?+
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 52.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $1,400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Kansas City?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $62,000 in Kansas City. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $640,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Missouri averages 0.88%.