Home › Compare › Atlanta, GA vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Kansas City, MO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

13.1% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
26.3% 26.3% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.3% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 8.3% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Atlanta
99
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1079313.1% less
Housing1148426.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,10033.3% less
Median Home Price$380,000$240,00036.8% less
Groceries102965.9% less
Transportation1091008.3% less
Healthcare102965.9% less
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax5.39%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Kansas City, MO
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Kansas City costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Kansas City to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Atlanta to Kansas City?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Kansas City → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Kansas City →

Compare Other Cities

Atlanta vs Austin → Atlanta vs Denver → Atlanta vs Nashville → Kansas City vs Raleigh → Kansas City vs Portland → Kansas City vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Kansas City cheaper to live in?+
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Kansas City?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $62,000 in Kansas City. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $140,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Missouri averages 0.88%.