Median rent is 28% lower in Kansas City ($1,186/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kansas City, where the median home runs $227,000 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $67,449 a year). Taken together, Kansas City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 98.8 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Kansas City is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Kansas City vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Kansas City, MO
How much would you need to earn in Kansas City, MO to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Kansas City, MO
$69,812
You could earn $5,188 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Kansas City
Missouri
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Kansas City — median rent of $1,186/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $227,000 in Kansas City — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Missouri tops out at 4.80% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.22% in Missouri; Kansas City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Kansas City
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Kansas City has cleaner air on average: 17.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,186/mo median).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 17.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Kansas City?
Kansas City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Kansas City.
How much is rent in Austin vs Kansas City?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,186/mo in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City, MO has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Kansas City?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $67,449 in Kansas City, MO. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Kansas City, MO has better air quality on average: 17.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Kansas City?
Texas has no state income tax. Missouri has a top rate of 4.80%.
What salary do I need in Kansas City to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $93,083 in Kansas City, MO (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology