Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than La Crosse, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 5.7% cheaper than La Crosse, WI. This translates to saving $430 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in La Crosse, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in La Crosse, WI, you'd need approximately $144,841.043 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between La Crosse, WI and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 6.6% cheaper than in La Crosse, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $873/month in La Crosse, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from La Crosse, WI to Kansas City, MO?

Moving from La Crosse, WI to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $430 per month, or $5159 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

La Crosse, WI vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 La Crosse, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in La Crosse, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $430/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Kansas City, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$430

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

La Crosse, WI

Population:51K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$255K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$257K

La Crosse, WI

The Badger State

51K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 51K 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: La Crosse, WI vs Kansas City, MO

Category	La Crosse, WI	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,254/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $149less	6.6%
🏥Healthcare	$685/mo	$607/mo	↓ $78.14less	11.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,279/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $63.58less	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$485/mo	$535/mo	↑ $50.92more	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$915/mo	$949/mo	↑ $34.56more	3.8%
📦Other	$1,629/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $21.61less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 6.6%

La Crosse, WI

$2,254

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$149

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.4%

La Crosse, WI

$685

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$78.14

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.0%

La Crosse, WI

$1,279

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$63.58

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

La Crosse, WI

$485

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$50.92

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.8%

La Crosse, WI

$915

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$34.56

📦Other

↓ 1.3%

La Crosse, WI

$1,629

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$21.61

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

La Crosse, WI 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$599

To$1,180

↑ $581

1 Bed

From$669

To$1,280

↑ $611

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,460

↑ $587

3 Bed

From$1,144

To$1,900

↑ $756

La Crosse, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$900/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.

$7,247

Monthly in La Crosse, WI

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$227

Difference

Home Values

La Crosse

Kansas City

$255K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +37.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$230K - $280K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 1% more expensive than La Crosse

Calculate payment - La Crosse Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $921

Per year

Monthly Difference

$76.74

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

La Crosse, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

La Crosse, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.