Home › Compare › San Antonio, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX 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.

3.3% Kansas City, MO is more expensive overall
2.4% 2.4% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.4% more
San Antonio
82
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
San Antonio
92
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 6.4% more
San Antonio
94
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
San Antonio
93
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
San Antonio
101
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Antonio, TX Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index90933.3% more
Housing82842.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,1004.8% more
Median Home Price$255,000$240,0005.9% less
Groceries92964.3% more
Transportation941006.4% more
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Antonio, TX Kansas City, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

San Antonio, TX
$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 San Antonio lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Antonio (90) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Antonio4.2%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Antonio2.6%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
San AntonioMilitary, Healthcare, Tourism
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Antonio25 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
San Antonio36
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
San Antonio42
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
San Antonio69°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
San Antonio1,451,853
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Antonio 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

San Antonio vs Austin → San Antonio vs Denver → San Antonio vs Nashville → Kansas City vs Raleigh → Kansas City vs Portland → Kansas City vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Antonio or Kansas City cheaper to live in?+
San Antonio is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Antonio vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in San Antonio and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Antonio or Kansas City?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 San Antonio to Kansas City?+
Median household income in San Antonio 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 San Antonio vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in San Antonio is $255,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Missouri averages 0.88%.