Moving from Kansas City to Columbus (2026)

Columbus has a COL index of 91 vs 91 for Kansas City (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$100 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
91 โ†’ 91
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 โ†’ $1,250
per month
State tax
5.4% โ†’ 3%
income tax
COL difference
91 โ†’ 91
0% more expensive

Salary needed in Columbus to match your Kansas City lifestyle

Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in Kansas CityEquivalent in Columbus
$40K$40,000
$50K$50,000
$60K$60,000
$75K$75,000
$80K$80,000
$100K$100,000
$120K$120,000
$150K$150,000

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$32/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseKansas CityColumbus
Monthly take-home$4,403$4,553
1BR rent$1,200$1,250
Groceries$361$361
Transport$70$62
Utilities$165$155
Internet$60$60
Left after essentials$2,547$2,665

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbus cheaper than Kansas City?

No. Columbus has a cost of living index of 91 vs 91 for Kansas City (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.

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

On a $75K salary, moving from Kansas City to Columbus saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Kansas City, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Columbus. 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