Home › Compare › Milwaukee, WI vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI 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.

0.0% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
2.4% 2.4% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.4% more
Milwaukee
82
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index9393~Same
Housing82842.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,1004.8% more
Median Home Price$175,000$240,00037.1% more
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax7.65% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
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 Milwaukee lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 2.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Kansas City?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Milwaukee to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 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 Milwaukee vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Missouri averages 0.88%.