Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

5.7% Kansas City, MO is more expensive overall
10.5% 10.5% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.5% more
Oklahoma City
76
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Oklahoma City
93
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Oklahoma City
96
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Oklahoma City
92
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Oklahoma City
100
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index88935.7% more
Housing768410.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,10015.8% more
Median Home Price$210,000$240,00014.3% more
Groceries93963.2% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax4.75%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.50%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Oklahoma City to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City or Kansas City cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or Kansas City?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Missouri averages 0.88%.