Median rent is 14% lower in Kansas City ($1,186/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kansas City, where the median home runs $227,000 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $67,449 a year). Taken together, Kansas City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 105.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Kansas City, MO.
Quick verdict
Kansas City is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Kansas City vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Kansas City, MO
How much would you need to earn in Kansas City, MO to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Kansas City, MO
$65,258
You could earn $9,742 less (13% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Kansas City at $1,186/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $227,000 in Kansas City — 28% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.80% in Missouri, so Kansas City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.22% in Missouri; Kansas City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
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 21.0 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 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,186/mo median).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.80%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Kansas City?
Kansas City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Kansas City.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Kansas City?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,186/mo in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City, MO has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Kansas City?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $67,449 in Kansas City, MO. Chicago, IL 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 21.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Kansas City?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Missouri's is 4.80%. Kansas City, MO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Kansas City to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $87,010 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