Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX 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.

2.1% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
6.7% 6.7% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.7% cheaper
Fort Worth
90
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Fort Worth
95
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Fort Worth
96
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Fort Worth
103
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index95932.1% less
Housing90846.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,10012.0% less
Median Home Price$300,000$240,00020.0% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, TX Kansas City, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
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 Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Fort Worth to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 6.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth or Kansas City?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Fort Worth to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 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 Fort Worth vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Missouri averages 0.88%.