Cost of Living in Kansas City, Missouri (2026)
COL Index
91
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,200
per month
Median HHI
$58K
per year
State Tax
5.4%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Kansas City |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $950 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,600 |
| Median home price | $280K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $70 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $165 |
| Internet/mo | $60 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $58K |
| State income tax rate | 5.4% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.6% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 91 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38 |
Is Kansas City affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,548/mo take-home
47% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,935/mo take-home
41% rent burden · Tight
$60K
~$3,523/mo take-home
34% rent burden · Manageable
$75K
~$4,403/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
$80K
~$4,697/mo take-home
26% rent burden · Comfortable
$100K
~$5,871/mo take-home
20% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$6,615/mo take-home
18% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,269/mo take-home
15% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only