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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd save $425/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.9K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates Β· COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area
Overall Cost
↓ 5.7%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$425
Savings
Annual Impact
$5.1K
Per year

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

Bedford, TX

Population:48K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$348K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K
Cost Index:
94
(6% below avg)
Median Home:$257K

Bedford, TX

The Lone Star State

48K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 48K residents.

πŸ’‘ Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Bedford, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Other
↓ 4.2%
Bedford, TX
$1,678
Kansas City, MO
$1,607
Difference
$70.83
less
Transportation
↓ 2.8%
Bedford, TX
$1,251
Kansas City, MO
$1,216
Difference
$34.93
less
Housing
↑ 1.5%
Bedford, TX
$2,074
Kansas City, MO
$2,105
Difference
$31.20
more
All Utilities
↓ 3.1%
Bedford, TX
$553
Kansas City, MO
$535
Difference
$17.03
less
Healthcare
↓ 2.1%
Bedford, TX
$620
Kansas City, MO
$607
Difference
$13.23
less
Groceries
↓ 1.3%
Bedford, TX
$961
Kansas City, MO
$949
Difference
$12.07
less

πŸ›οΈ Local Income Taxes

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

Bedford, 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$1,204
To$1,180
↓ $24.00
1 Bed
From$1,245
To$1,280
↑ $35.00
2 Bed
From$1,454
To$1,460
↑ $6.00
3 Bed
From$1,917
To$1,900
↓ $17.00
Bedford, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,560/mo

Kansas City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,800/mo

πŸ’‘ 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.

$7,137
Monthly in Bedford, TX
$7,020
Monthly in Kansas City, MO
$117
Difference

Home Values

Bedford
Kansas City
$348K
Median Value
$257K
↓ -2.2%
YoY Change
↑ +0.6%
↑ +31.1%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.2%
$308K - $388K
Price Range
$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 26% less expensive than Bedford

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

Bedford, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
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

Bedford, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Kansas City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

πŸ’‘ 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.

Environment

Bedford
Kansas City
55 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
35.2%
Good Air Days
59.3%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
Top Hazards
🌊🌑πŸŒͺ
β–²+2.8Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+3.3Β°F
92 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
44 days
β–²+2.8Β°F
2050 Outlook
β–²+3.3Β°F
92 days
Heat Days >95Β°F
44 days

What to Consider When Moving from Bedford, TX to Kansas City, MO

Relocating from Bedford, TX to Kansas City, MO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 6% lower in Kansas City, MO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Kansas City, MO is 2% more expensive than in Bedford, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas β€” not just city averages β€” before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Kansas City, MO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Kansas City, MO to match your current standard of living in Bedford, TX.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general β€œfeel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Kansas City, MO for a week before making a final decision β€” experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bedford, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Bedford, TX?

Yes, Kansas City, MO is about 5.7% cheaper than Bedford, TX. You could save approximately $425/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 2% higher in Kansas City, MO.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to match my lifestyle in Bedford, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Bedford, TX, you would need approximately $144,895 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Bedford, TX and Kansas City, MO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,454/month in Bedford, TX compared to $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO. One-bedroom apartments are $1,245/month in Bedford, TX vs $1,280/month in Kansas City, MO. These are area-wide medians β€” specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Bedford, TX or Kansas City, MO?

Groceries are about 1% cheaper in Kansas City, MO than in Bedford, TX, saving a typical household roughly $12.07/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Bedford, TX to Kansas City, MO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

πŸ’° See how taxes change too β€” compare take-home pay between Texas and Missouri on TaxTakeHome.com

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