🇺🇸 Kansas City vs 🇺🇸 Los Angeles
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Kansas City
United States
$1,908–$3,021/mo
$1,908 – $3,021 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
Los Angeles is 48% more expensive
Kansas City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Kansas City (USD) | Los Angeles (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,431–$2,226 | $2,123–$3,303 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $755–$1,192 | $1,121–$1,769 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Utilities | $60–$115 | $88–$171 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Groceries | $302–$453 | $448–$672 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $40–$72 | $59–$106 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $76–$91 | $112–$136 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Internet & Mobile | $24–$40 | $35–$59 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Gym membership | $28–$52 | $41–$77 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Cinema ticket | $11–$14 | $17–$21 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,908–$3,021 | $2,831–$4,482 | 🟢 Kansas City |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.1 / 10 · 3.1 / 10
Kansas City▲ better
Los Angeles
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Economy6.7 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Internet7.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Who should choose which city?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Los Angeles
- ✓BBQ
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Central US
- ✓Logistics
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Los Angeles offers vs Kansas City
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
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📊
Full Kansas City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Kansas City →📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →