Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 30.8% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $2308 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Portland, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $122,307.692 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, OR and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 55.2% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $2308 per month, or $27692 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Portland, OR

Tap to swap

Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.3K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,308

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.7K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$257K

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

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: Portland, OR vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Portland, OR	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $2,599less	55.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $505less	29.4%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $318less	16.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$949/mo	↓ $120less	11.2%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$535/mo	↑ $60.11more	12.6%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$607/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 55.2%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$2,599

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.4%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$505

less

📦Other

↓ 16.5%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$318

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.2%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.6%

Portland, OR

$475

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$60.11

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.4%

Portland, OR

$663

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$55.76

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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

Net difference$0/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,555

To$1,180

↓ $375

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,280

↓ $375

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,460

↓ $440

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$1,900

↓ $690

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$3,538

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Kansas City

$535K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 52% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$632

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.1%

Rate difference

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Portland, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.