Median rent is 10% lower in Kansas City ($1,073/mo vs $1,194/mo). Buying is cheaper in Kansas City, where the median home runs $147,100 versus $286,300. Households earn more in West Des Moines ($84,925 vs $59,183 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 West Des Moines, IA.
City A
Kansas City, KS
City B
West Des Moines, IA
How much would you need to earn in West Des Moines, IA to maintain your standard of living from Kansas City, KS?
Equivalent salary in West Des Moines, IA
$75,064
You'd need $64 more (0% 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
West Des Moines
Iowa
👥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 $1,073/mo compared to $1,194/mo in West Des Moines (10% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in West Des Moines: the median home is $286,300 versus $147,100 in Kansas City — 49% 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 5.70% in Iowa, so West Des Moines is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.50% in Kansas and 6.00% in Iowa; West Des Moines has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Kansas City
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.50%
West Des Moines
Income tax: 5.70%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Kansas City (avg AQI 17.0) but not yet for West Des Moines.
Pick West Des Moines if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,925/yr).
Is Kansas City cheaper than West Des Moines?
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 Kansas City vs West Des Moines?
Median rent is $1,073/mo in Kansas City, KS and $1,194/mo in West Des Moines, IA. Kansas City, KS has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Kansas City or West Des Moines?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City, KS and $84,925 in West Des Moines, IA. West Des Moines, IA 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 — Kansas City or West Des Moines?
Kansas's top income tax rate is 5.70% and Iowa's is 5.70%. West Des Moines, IA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in West Des Moines 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 $100,086 in West Des Moines, IA (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