Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 11.1% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $830 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $140,039.526 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 9.0% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $830 per month, or $9960 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $830/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.0K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$830

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$257K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $208less	9.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $205less	14.4%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $167less	9.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$949/mo	↓ $155less	14.0%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$535/mo	↓ $71.03less	11.7%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$208

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$205

less

📦Other

↓ 9.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$167

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$155

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.7%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$71.03

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$4,125/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,180

↓ $100

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,280

↓ $110

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,460

↓ $200

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,900

↓ $90.00

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$806

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Kansas City

$241K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 7% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$277

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.