Median rent is 31% lower in Kansas City ($1,186/mo vs $1,727/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kansas City, where the median home runs $227,000 versus $539,800. Households earn more in Des Moines ($89,787 vs $67,449 a year). Taken together, Kansas City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 92.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Des Moines, WA.
City A
Des Moines, WA
City B
Kansas City, MO
How much would you need to earn in Kansas City, MO to maintain your standard of living from Des Moines, WA?
Equivalent salary in Kansas City, MO
$74,936
You could earn $64 less (0% 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
Des Moines
Washington
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 $1,727/mo in Des Moines, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Des Moines: the median home is $539,800 versus $227,000 in Kansas City — 58% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Washington has no state income tax, while Missouri tops out at 4.80% — giving Des Moines a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.50% in Washington and 4.22% in Missouri; Kansas City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Des Moines
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.50%
Kansas City
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Air quality data is available for Kansas City (avg AQI 17.0) but not yet for Des Moines.
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($89,787/yr).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,186/mo median).
Pick Des Moines if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Des Moines cheaper than Kansas City?
Kansas City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 92.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Kansas City.
How much is rent in Des Moines vs Kansas City?
Median rent is $1,727/mo in Des Moines, WA and $1,186/mo in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City, MO has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Des Moines or Kansas City?
Median household income is $89,787 in Des Moines, WA and $67,449 in Kansas City, MO. Des Moines, WA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Des Moines or Kansas City?
Washington has no state income tax. Missouri has a top rate of 4.80%.
What salary do I need in Kansas City to match my Des Moines income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Des Moines, WA is equivalent to roughly $99,914 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