Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 12.8% cheaper than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to saving $959 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Phoenix, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $138,488.372 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Phoenix, AZ and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 24.5% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

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

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $959 per month, or $11512 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Phoenix, AZ

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $959/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.5K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$959

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.5K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$257K

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $683less	24.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $273less	18.3%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $70.31less	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$535/mo	↓ $25.68less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$949/mo	↓ $13.99less	1.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$683

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.3%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$273

less

📦Other

↓ 4.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$70.31

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.6%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$25.68

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$13.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ 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$1,390

To$1,180

↓ $210

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,280

↓ $230

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,460

↓ $290

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$1,900

↓ $430

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$1,048

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Kansas City

$414K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 38% less expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.7K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$225

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.