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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
20.0% 20.0% 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 20.0% cheaper
Chicago
105
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 7.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1079313.1% less
Housing1058420.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,10035.3% less
Median Home Price$310,000$240,00022.6% less
Groceries104967.7% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103966.8% less
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax4.95%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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 Chicago 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 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Kansas City?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Chicago to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Missouri averages 0.88%.