Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

11.4% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
30.0% 30.0% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Salt Lake City
96
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Salt Lake City
88
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1059311.4% less
Housing1208430.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,10018.5% less
Median Home Price$475,000$240,00049.5% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax4.65%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.10%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City 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 30.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Kansas City?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $235,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Missouri averages 0.88%.