Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 16.7% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1256 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $134,930.62 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 31.4% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $1256 per month, or $15069 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.9K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 16.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,256

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.1K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$257K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

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: Chicago, IL vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Chicago, IL	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $962less	31.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $464less	27.6%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $151less	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$949/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$535/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.2%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$607/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 31.4%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$962

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$464

less

📦Other

↓ 8.6%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$151

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$79.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.2%

Chicago, IL

$519

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$16.39

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$595

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$12.39

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Chicago, IL 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$1,600

To$1,180

↓ $420

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,280

↓ $430

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,460

↓ $465

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,900

↓ $580

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$1,628

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Kansas City

$305K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 16% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $504

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$42.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.