Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

5.1% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
19.2% 19.2% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 19.2% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index98935.1% less
Housing1048419.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,10018.5% less
Median Home Price$385,000$240,00037.7% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax4.50%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Raleigh to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → Kansas City vs Portland → Kansas City vs Phoenix → Kansas City vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 19.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Kansas City?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Missouri averages 0.88%.