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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

10.6% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
22.2% 22.2% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.2% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Minneapolis
95
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1049310.6% less
Housing1088422.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,10018.5% less
Median Home Price$330,000$240,00027.3% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax9.85% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 22.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Kansas City?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $90,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Missouri averages 0.88%.