Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 12.6% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $947 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $138,640.777 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 20.6% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

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

Moving from Nashville, TN to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11359 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Nashville, TN

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$257K

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

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: Nashville, TN vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Nashville, TN	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $546less	20.6%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $335less	17.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $68.30less	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$535/mo	↑ $16.39more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$949/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 20.6%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$546

less

📦Other

↓ 17.2%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$335

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.3%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$68.30

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.2%

Nashville, TN

$519

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$16.39

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$949

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

same

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$607

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Nashville, TN 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$1,600

To$1,180

↓ $420

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,280

↓ $400

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,460

↓ $380

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,900

↓ $450

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$932

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Kansas City

$489K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 47% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville 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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.