Moving from Columbia to Kansas City (2026)

Kansas City has a COL index of 91 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 3% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$6 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
88 โ†’ 91
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250 โ†’ $1,200
per month
State tax
4.7% โ†’ 5.4%
income tax
COL difference
88 โ†’ 91
3% more expensive

Salary needed in Kansas City to match your Columbia lifestyle

Based on the 3% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in ColumbiaEquivalent in Kansas City
$40K$41,364
$50K$51,705
$60K$62,045
$75K$77,557
$80K$82,727
$100K$103,409
$120K$124,091
$150K$155,114

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$22/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Columbia vs Kansas City

ExpenseColumbiaKansas City
Monthly take-home$4,447$4,403
1BR rent$1,250$1,200
Groceries$365$361
Transport$45$70
Utilities$158$165
Internet$60$60
Left after essentials$2,569$2,547

Frequently asked questions

Is Kansas City cheaper than Columbia?

No. Kansas City has a cost of living index of 91 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). That's about 3% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Columbia to Kansas City?

On a $75K salary, moving from Columbia to Kansas City saves roughly $6/month on core expenses. That's ~$72/year.

What salary do I need in Kansas City to match my Columbia lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbia, you'd need roughly $77,557/year in Kansas City. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only