Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 3.4% cheaper than Waco, TX. This translates to saving $255 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Waco, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $146,934.037 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Waco, TX and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 8.0% more expensive than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

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

Moving from Waco, TX to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $255 per month, or $3066 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, TX vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Waco, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Arlington, TX area

Current salary in Waco, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $255/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.9K in Kansas City, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$255

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.1K

Per year

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

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$257K

Waco, TX

The Lone Star State

145K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 145K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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: Waco, TX vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Waco, TX	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$2,105/mo	↑ $155more	8.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $57.02less	4.5%
📦Other	$1,576/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $30.89more	2.0%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$535/mo	↓ $21.89less	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$970/mo	$949/mo	↓ $20.52less	2.1%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$607/mo	↓ $18.68less	3.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 8.0%

Waco, TX

$1,950

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$155

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.5%

Waco, TX

$1,273

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$57.02

less

📦Other

↑ 2.0%

Waco, TX

$1,576

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$30.89

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

Waco, TX

$557

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$21.89

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.1%

Waco, TX

$970

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$20.52

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Waco, TX

$626

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$18.68

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Waco, TX 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$709

To$1,180

↑ $471

1 Bed

From$834

To$1,280

↑ $446

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$1,460

↑ $426

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,900

↑ $566

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/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.

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$67.93

Difference

Home Values

Waco

Kansas City

$241K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 6% more expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco 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

Waco, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Waco, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

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.