Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 6.7% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $505 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $143,937.824 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 3.9% cheaper than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Moving from Houston, TX to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $505 per month, or $6062 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Houston, TX

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $505/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$505

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$257K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Houston, TX	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $234less	16.1%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $161less	9.1%
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $85.76less	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$607/mo	↑ $45.23more	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$949/mo	↑ $37.97more	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$535/mo	↓ $16.94less	3.1%

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.1%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$234

less

📦Other

↓ 9.1%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$161

less

🏠Housing

↓ 3.9%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$85.76

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Houston, TX

$562

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$45.23

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.2%

Houston, TX

$911

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$37.97

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.1%

Houston, TX

$552

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$16.94

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, 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$1,220

To$1,180

↓ $40.00

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,280

↑ $20.00

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,460

↓ $40.00

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,900

↓ $120

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$414

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Kansas City

$245K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 5% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.