Home › Compare › Kansas City, MO vs Colorado Springs, CO

Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Colorado Springs, CO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

8.6% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
31.0% 31.0% more expensive 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 31.0% more
Kansas City
84
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Kansas City
96
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Kansas City
100
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.2% more
Kansas City
96
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 8.0% cheaper
Kansas City
100
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Kansas City, MO Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index931018.6% more
Housing8411031.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,35022.7% more
Median Home Price$240,000$400,00066.7% more
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare961004.2% more
Utilities100928.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Kansas City, MO Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax4.80% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax4.23%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.88%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Kansas City, MO
$62,000
Median household income
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Colorado Springs outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Kansas City (93) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Kansas City3.6%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Kansas City2.5%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Kansas City23 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Kansas City35
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Kansas City42
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Kansas City54°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Kansas City508,090
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Kansas City and Colorado Springs → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Colorado Springs →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kansas City or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 31.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Kansas City and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Kansas City or Colorado Springs?+
Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Kansas City to Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Kansas City is $62,000 compared to $72,000 in Colorado Springs. 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 Kansas City vs Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Kansas City is $240,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Missouri averages 0.88% while Colorado averages 0.49%.