Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 40.8% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $3059 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $113,289.474 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 66.1% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

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

Moving from Washington, DC to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $3059 per month, or $36711 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Washington, DC

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Kansas City, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.3K in Kansas City, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,059

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.7K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:59

Median Home:$257K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Washington, DC	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $4,106less	66.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $669less	35.5%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $218less	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$949/mo	↓ $130less	12.0%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$535/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.4%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 66.1%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$4,106

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.5%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$669

less

📦Other

↓ 11.9%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$218

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.0%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$130

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.4%

Washington, DC

$508

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$27.32

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Washington, DC

$632

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Washington, DC 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$2,150

To$1,180

↓ $970

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,280

↓ $935

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,460

↓ $1,010

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$1,900

↓ $1,215

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$5,120

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Kansas City

$556K

Median Value

$257K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 54% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$268

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.