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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

3.1% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
8.7% 8.7% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.7% cheaper
Houston
92
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Houston
94
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Houston
95
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 5.7% cheaper
Houston
106
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index96933.1% less
Housing92848.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,1008.3% less
Median Home Price$295,000$240,00018.6% less
Groceries94962.1% more
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1061005.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston 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 8.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Missouri averages 0.88%.