Moving from Raleigh to Kansas City (2026)
Kansas City has a COL index of 83 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 18% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Kansas City to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Kansas City |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,871 |
| $50K | $41,089 |
| $60K | $49,307 |
| $75K | $61,634 |
| $80K | $65,743 |
| $100K | $82,178 |
| $120K | $98,614 |
| $150K | $123,267 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Kansas City
| Expense | Raleigh | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $365 | $357 |
| Transport | $70 | $55 |
| Utilities | $150 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,702 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Kansas City cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Kansas City has a cost of living index of 83 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 18% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Kansas City?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Kansas City could save roughly $663/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,956/year.
What salary do I need in Kansas City to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $61,634/year in Kansas City. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only