Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 12.6% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $947 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $138,640.777 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 27.0% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Kansas City, MO?

Moving from Austin, TX to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11359 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Austin, TX

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$257K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Kansas City, MO

The Show-Me State

508K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 508K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Austin, TX	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $780less	27.0%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $134less	7.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$535/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 27.0%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$780

less

📦Other

↓ 7.7%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$134

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Austin, TX

$589

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$5.46

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Kansas City, MO: Kansas City Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,180

↓ $405

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,280

↓ $405

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,460

↓ $535

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$1,900

↓ $625

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Kansas City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,800/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$979

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Kansas City

$558K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 54% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Kansas City

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$661

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.3%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Kansas City, MO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Missouri State Tax

Effective: 5.3%

$7.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$44.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,755/month

$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Kansas City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.