Cost of Living in Kansas City, KS
Population 154,776 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Kansas City's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $59,183 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kansas City
The median home value in Kansas City is $147,100 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,073/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,183/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Kansas's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 8.6%. The climate averages highs of 66.4°F and lows of 47.5°F, with about 11" of annual snowfall. Overall, Kansas City has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 45 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 86 | 90 | 89 | 80 | 68 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 22 | 26 | 36 | 46 | 57 | 67 | 72 | 70 | 61 | 49 | 36 | 27 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 1.53 | 2.08 | 3.89 | 5.10 | 5.33 | 4.38 | 4.68 | 3.78 | 3.24 | 1.80 | 1.30 |
| Snow" | 3.4 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 3.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS?
Kansas City has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kansas City, KS?
The median gross rent in Kansas City is $1,073 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kansas City?
The median home value in Kansas City is $147,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kansas City?
The median household income in Kansas City is $59,183 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kansas City, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kansas City is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Kansas City, KS affordable?
Yes, Kansas City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kansas City?
Kansas City has average high temperatures of 66.4°F and average lows of 47.5°F. Annual precipitation is 38.1". Average annual snowfall is 11". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kansas City at a Glance
- Population
- 154,776
- Median Income
- $59,183
- Home Value
- $147,100
- Median Rent
- $1,073/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
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