Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 7.2% cheaper than Durham, NC. This translates to saving $541 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $143,505.155 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 14.7% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

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

Moving from Durham, NC to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $541 per month, or $6495 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $541/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.5K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$541

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.5K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$411K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$257K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K residents.

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: Durham, NC vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Durham, NC	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $364less	14.7%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $100less	5.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$535/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.7%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$364

less

📦Other

↓ 5.9%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$100

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$10.93

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Durham, NC

$959

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Durham, NC

$601

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$6.20

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Durham, NC 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$1,430

To$1,180

↓ $250

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,280

↓ $240

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,460

↓ $270

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,900

↓ $240

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$547

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Kansas City

$411K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 37% less expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $804

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$67.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.