Median rent is 40% lower in Kansas City ($1,073/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kansas City, where the median home runs $147,100 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $59,183 a year). Taken together, Kansas City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.0 against 113.0 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Kansas City is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.0 in Kansas City vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Kansas City, KS
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Kansas City, KS?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$92,134
You'd need $17,134 more (23% higher).
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
Kansas City
Kansas
New York
New York
👥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 $1,073/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $147,100 in Kansas City — 80% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Kansas's top income tax rate is 5.70% versus 10.90% in New York, so Kansas City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.50% in Kansas and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Kansas City
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.50%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Kansas City has cleaner air on average: 17.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) 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 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,073/mo median).
Pick Kansas City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 17.0).
Is Kansas City cheaper than New York?
Kansas City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.0 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Kansas City.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs New York?
Median rent is $1,073/mo in Kansas City, KS and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Kansas City, KS has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Kansas City or New York?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City, KS and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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, KS has better air quality on average: 17.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Kansas City or New York?
Kansas's top income tax rate is 5.70% and New York's is 10.90%. Kansas City, KS has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Kansas City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Kansas City, KS is equivalent to roughly $122,845 in New York, NY (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