Median rent is 47% lower in Kansas City ($1,073/mo vs $2,034/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kansas City, where the median home runs $147,100 versus $930,200. Households earn more in Temple City ($102,449 vs $59,183 a year). Taken together, Temple City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 92.0 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple City, CA.
City A
Kansas City, KS
City B
Temple City, CA
How much would you need to earn in Temple City, CA to maintain your standard of living from Kansas City, KS?
Equivalent salary in Temple City, CA
$74,996
You could earn $4 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Kansas City
Kansas
Temple City
California
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Kansas City — median rent of $1,073/mo versus $2,034/mo in Temple City, a 47% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Temple City: the median home is $930,200 versus $147,100 in Kansas City — 84% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Kansas's top income tax rate is 5.70% versus 13.30% in California, so Kansas City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.50% in Kansas and 7.25% in California; Kansas City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Kansas City
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.50%
Temple City
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Kansas City (avg AQI 17.0) but not yet for Temple City.
Pick Temple City if you prioritize higher median household income ($102,449/yr).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,073/mo median).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.70%).
Is Kansas City cheaper than Temple City?
Temple City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 92.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Temple City.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs Temple City?
Median rent is $1,073/mo in Kansas City, KS and $2,034/mo in Temple City, CA. Kansas City, KS has the lower rent by about 47%.
Which has higher salaries — Kansas City or Temple City?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City, KS and $102,449 in Temple City, CA. Temple City, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Kansas City or Temple City?
Kansas's top income tax rate is 5.70% and California's is 13.30%. Kansas City, KS has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Temple City to match my Kansas City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Kansas City, KS is equivalent to roughly $99,995 in Temple City, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology