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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

13.9% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
23.6% 23.6% cheaper housing
9.4% 9.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 9.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1089313.9% less
Housing1108423.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,10026.7% less
Median Home Price$280,000$240,00014.3% less
Groceries106969.4% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare105968.6% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax3.07%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 23.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Kansas City?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Missouri averages 0.88%.