Cost of Living in Kansas City, KS

With a cost of living index of 77, Kansas City, KS is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 23% cheaper than the national average and 6% above the Kansas state average of 72. As a major city with a population of 154,776, Kansas City offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Kansas City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,073 (19% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $147,100 (52% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.5x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Kansas City is $59,183, which is 21% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Kansas City. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.9°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 34°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches spread over roughly 86 days.

Everyday prices in the Kansas City, MO-KS (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.