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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD 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.

13.9% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
25.0% 25.0% cheaper housing
7.7% 7.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.0% cheaper
Baltimore
112
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 7.7% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 9.1% cheaper
Baltimore
110
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1089313.9% less
Housing1128425.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,10018.5% less
Median Home Price$220,000$240,0009.1% more
Groceries104967.7% less
Transportation1101009.1% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax5.75% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
Kansas City, MO
$62,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Kansas City outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Baltimore to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore 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 25.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Kansas City?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Baltimore to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Baltimore is $58,000 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 Baltimore vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Missouri averages 0.88%.