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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

28.5% Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall
48.1% 48.1% cheaper housing
11.1% 11.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 48.1% cheaper
Washington
162
Kansas City
84
🛒 Groceries 11.1% cheaper
Washington
108
Kansas City
96
🚗 Transportation 18.0% cheaper
Washington
122
Kansas City
100
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Washington
110
Kansas City
96
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Washington
105
Kansas City
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Kansas City, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1309328.5% less
Housing1628448.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,10050.0% less
Median Home Price$620,000$240,00061.3% less
Groceries1089611.1% less
Transportation12210018.0% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Kansas City, MO
State Income Tax10.75% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Kansas City (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Kansas City3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Kansas City2.5%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Kansas City23 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Kansas City35
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Kansas City42
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Kansas City54°F
Population
Washington689,545
Kansas City508,090

Moving from Washington to Kansas City?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 48.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Kansas City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,100/month in Kansas City — a difference of about $1,100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Kansas City?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Kansas City?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Kansas City?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $240,000 in Kansas City — a difference of $380,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Missouri averages 0.88%.