Kansas City, Missouri has a cost of living approximately 7% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable major metros in the Midwest.
Quick Answer: Kansas City Cost of Living
| Category | Kansas City | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 93 | 100 | -7% |
| Housing | 81 | 100 | -19% |
| Groceries | 96 | 100 | -4% |
| Utilities | 99 | 100 | -1% |
| Transportation | 98 | 100 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 98 | 100 | -2% |
Index: 100 = national average
Kansas City Housing Costs
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,200-$1,700 |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $900-$1,250 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | $1,500-$2,100 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (outside center) | $1,100-$1,500 |
| Median home price | $240,000 |
| Median rent | $1,150 |
Kansas City Neighborhood Comparison
| Neighborhood | 1BR Rent | Median Home | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Club Plaza | $1,400-$1,900 | $400,000 | Shopping, upscale |
| Westport | $1,200-$1,600 | $280,000 | Nightlife, young |
| Crossroads | $1,300-$1,800 | $350,000 | Arts district |
| River Market | $1,300-$1,700 | $320,000 | Walkable, farmers market |
| Brookside | $1,200-$1,600 | $350,000 | Family-friendly |
| Waldo | $1,100-$1,400 | $280,000 | Eclectic, affordable |
| Overland Park (KS) | $1,300-$1,700 | $350,000 | Suburban, good schools |
| Leawood (KS) | $1,500-$2,100 | $500,000 | Upscale suburb |
| Lee’s Summit | $1,200-$1,600 | $320,000 | Family suburb |
Monthly Expenses Breakdown
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg) | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| Utilities | $135 | $165 | $210 |
| Groceries | $345 | $600 | $880 |
| Transportation | $305 | $455 | $555 |
| Healthcare | $200 | $390 | $600 |
| Entertainment | $175 | $300 | $450 |
| Total | $2,310 | $3,360 | $4,445 |
Salary Needed to Live in Kansas City
| Lifestyle | Single | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survival minimum | $33,000 | $48,000 | $64,000 |
| Comfortable | $52,000 | $80,000 | $100,000 |
| Living well | $75,000+ | $115,000+ | $145,000+ |
Kansas City vs Other Cities
| City | Cost Index | vs Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 93 | — |
| St. Louis | 90 | -3% |
| Oklahoma City | 88 | -5% |
| Omaha | 92 | -1% |
| Denver | 115 | +24% |
| Dallas | 102 | +10% |
| Chicago | 107 | +15% |
Kansas City Income and Employment
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median household income | $58,000 |
| Average salary | $56,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Top employer | Cerner |
Top Industries in Kansas City
| Industry | Major Employers |
|---|---|
| Healthcare IT | Cerner (Oracle) |
| Finance | H&R Block, Sprint |
| Manufacturing | Ford, GM, Honeywell |
| Government | Federal Reserve, IRS |
| Agriculture | Cargill |
| E-Commerce | Amazon, Garmin |
Kansas City Taxes
| Tax Type | Missouri | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 1.5%-5.3% | 3.1%-5.7% |
| City/county income tax | 1% (KCMO) | None |
| Sales tax | 8.35% | 9.0-10% |
| Property tax | 1.0% | 1.4% |
Note: KC spans two states — where you live matters for taxes
Missouri vs Kansas Side
| Factor | Missouri Side | Kansas Side |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | 5.3% + 1% local | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.35% | 9-10% |
| Property tax | Lower | Higher |
| Schools | Mixed | Often rated higher |
Is Kansas City a Good Place to Live?
Pros:
- Very affordable cost of living
- Famous BBQ and food scene
- Growing tech hub
- Good sports (Chiefs, Royals)
- Central location
Cons:
- Tornadoes and severe weather
- Hot, humid summers
- Cold winters
- Car-dependent