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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

17.0% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
36.4% 36.4% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 36.4% cheaper
Denver
132
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 4.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Denver
96
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1129317.0% less
Housing1328436.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,10032.1% less
Median Home Price$540,000$240,00055.6% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation1051004.8% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax4.40%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Denver713,252
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Denver to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 36.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $520 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Kansas City?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $300,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Missouri averages 0.88%.