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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

8.1% Kansas City, MO is more expensive overall
20.0% 20.0% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% more
Memphis
70
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Memphis
92
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Memphis
96
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% more
Memphis
90
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index86938.1% more
Housing708420.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,10015.8% more
Median Home Price$165,000$240,00045.5% more
Groceries92964.3% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare90966.7% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Kansas City, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Kansas City, MO
$62,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Kansas City outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Memphis to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Kansas City cheaper to live in?+
Memphis 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 Memphis vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Kansas City?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $75,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Missouri averages 0.88%.