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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

7.9% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
23.6% 23.6% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.6% cheaper
Tampa
110
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index101937.9% less
Housing1108423.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,10024.1% less
Median Home Price$365,000$240,00034.2% less
Groceries100964.0% less
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Kansas City, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Kansas City508,090

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Kansas City?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Tampa 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 Tampa vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Missouri averages 0.88%.