Home › Compare › Portland, OR vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

18.4% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
39.1% 39.1% cheaper housing
6.8% 6.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 39.1% cheaper
Portland
138
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 6.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.3% cheaper
Portland
107
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Portland
88
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1149318.4% less
Housing1388439.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,10029.0% less
Median Home Price$485,000$240,00050.5% less
Groceries103966.8% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare1079610.3% less
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax8.75% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Portland652,503
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Portland to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 39.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Kansas City?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $245,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Missouri averages 0.88%.