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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $583/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.0K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area
Overall Cost
7.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$583
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.0K
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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:108
Median Home:$512K

Kansas City, MO

The Show-Me State

508K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Research Triangle
  • State capital
  • Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Kansas City, MO vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
17.3%
Kansas City, MO
$2,105
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$364
more
📦Other
6.3%
Kansas City, MO
$1,607
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$100
more
🚗Transportation
5.6%
Kansas City, MO
$1,216
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$68.30
more
All Utilities
2.0%
Kansas City, MO
$535
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$10.93
more
🛒Groceries
1.1%
Kansas City, MO
$949
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$9.99
more
🏥Healthcare
1.0%
Kansas City, MO
$607
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$6.20
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, 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$1,180
To$1,570
$390
1 Bed
From$1,280
To$1,640
$360
2 Bed
From$1,460
To$1,800
$340
3 Bed
From$1,900
To$2,255
$355
Kansas City, MOZIP-level data

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

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400$1,880/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
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$547
Difference

Home Values

Kansas City
Raleigh
$257K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +0.6%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +32.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$80K - $587K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 99% 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
$804
Per year
Monthly Difference
$67.00
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.5%
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

Raleigh, 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

Additional Tax Information

Kansas City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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
Raleigh
46 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
59.3%
Good Air Days
61.7%
97 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

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

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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