Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 18.2% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $1364 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $133,636.364 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 35.2% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

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

Moving from Denver, CO to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $1364 per month, or $16364 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.6K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,364

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.4K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$257K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

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: Denver, CO vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Denver, CO	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $1,143less	35.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $246less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $167less	9.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$949/mo	↓ $79.94less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$535/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.2%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$1,143

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.8%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$246

less

📦Other

↓ 9.4%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$167

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$79.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.2%

Denver, CO

$519

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$16.39

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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

Net difference+$1,431/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$1,180

↓ $540

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,280

↓ $560

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,460

↓ $730

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,900

↓ $970

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$1,645

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Kansas City

$513K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 50% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$111

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.