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Cost of Living: Nashville, 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.

6.1% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
22.2% 22.2% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.2% cheaper
Nashville
108
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Nashville
97
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index99936.1% less
Housing1088422.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,10020.3% less
Median Home Price$395,000$240,00039.2% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities971003.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, 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

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $280 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville 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 Nashville to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Missouri averages 0.88%.