Kansas City, Kansas has an overall cost of living index of 92.0, which is 8.0 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,073 per month, while the typical home is valued around $147,100. Households earn a median of $59,183 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 17. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$59,183
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,073
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$147,100
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
92.0
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
92.0
Goods
93.7
Rents / Housing
85.6
Services
98.0
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.70%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.50%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $112,960 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $81,110 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $56,950 |
| ⚡Electrician | $69,020 |
| 📊Accountant | $84,410 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
154,776
Latest estimate
Median Age
34 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
17.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Kansas City?
Kansas City has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 92.0. The US national average is 100, so Kansas City is 8.0 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Kansas City?
The median gross rent in Kansas City is $1,073 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Kansas City?
The median household income in Kansas City is $59,183 per year.
What is the median home value in Kansas City?
The median home value in Kansas City is $147,100 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Kansas City?
Kansas City has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 17.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Kansas City?
Kansas has a top state income tax rate of 5.70% and a statewide sales tax of 6.50% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology