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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area
Overall Cost
14.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,083
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

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

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$257K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$558K

Kansas City, MO

The Show-Me State

508K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 508K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Live music capital
  • Major tech hub
  • SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Kansas City, MO vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
37.0%
Kansas City, MO
$2,105
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$780
more
📦Other
8.3%
Kansas City, MO
$1,607
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$134
more
🚗Transportation
5.6%
Kansas City, MO
$1,216
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$68.30
more
🏥Healthcare
3.1%
Kansas City, MO
$607
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$18.59
less
🛒Groceries
1.1%
Kansas City, MO
$949
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$9.99
more
All Utilities
1.0%
Kansas City, MO
$535
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$5.46
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, 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$1,180
To$1,585
$405
1 Bed
From$1,280
To$1,685
$405
2 Bed
From$1,460
To$1,995
$535
3 Bed
From$1,900
To$2,525
$625
Kansas City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $900$1,800/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490$2,350/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.

$7,020
Monthly in Kansas City, MO
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$979
Difference

Home Values

Kansas City
Austin
$257K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +0.6%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +32.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$80K - $587K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 117% more expensive than Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$7.9K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$661
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.3%
Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Kansas City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.

Environment

Kansas City
Austin
46 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
59.3%
Good Air Days
42.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Missouri and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Austin, TX

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