Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 14.6% cheaper than Highlands Ranch, CO. This translates to saving $1095 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highlands Ranch, CO, you'd need approximately $136,864.35 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 24.8% cheaper than in Highlands Ranch, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,588/month in Highlands Ranch, CO.

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

Moving from Highlands Ranch, CO to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $1095 per month, or $13136 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Highlands Ranch, CO vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highlands Ranch, CO — COL adjusted from Denver, CO area + state data

Current salary in Highlands Ranch, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.9K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 14.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,095

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.1K

Per year

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

Highlands Ranch, CO

Population:103K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$257K

Highlands Ranch, CO

The Centennial State

103K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 103K 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: Highlands Ranch, CO vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Highlands Ranch, CO	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,801/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $696less	24.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,400/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $184less	13.2%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $92.88less	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,007/mo	$949/mo	↓ $58.10less	5.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$535/mo	↑ $27.41more	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$619/mo	$607/mo	↓ $11.37less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.8%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$2,801

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$696

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.2%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,400

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$184

less

📦Other

↓ 5.5%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,700

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$92.88

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$1,007

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$58.10

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.4%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$508

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$27.41

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.8%

Highlands Ranch, CO

$619

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$11.37

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Highlands Ranch, CO 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$1,099

To$1,180

↑ $81.00

1 Bed

From$1,262

To$1,280

↑ $18.00

2 Bed

From$1,588

To$1,460

↓ $128

3 Bed

From$2,199

To$1,900

↓ $299

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.

$8,035

Monthly in Highlands Ranch, CO

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$1,015

Difference

Home Values

Highlands Ranch

Kansas City

Median Value

$257K

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

Price Range

$80K - $587K

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

Highlands Ranch, 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

Highlands Ranch, 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.