Is Kansas City, MO cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, MO is 3.6% cheaper than Wausau, WI. This translates to saving $272 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $146,740.159 in Kansas City, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Kansas City, MO?

Housing in Kansas City, MO is 4.5% cheaper than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,460/month in Kansas City, MO compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

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

Moving from Wausau, WI to Kansas City, MO could save you approximately $272 per month, or $3260 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wausau, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Wausau, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $272/month moving to Kansas City, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Kansas City, MO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$272

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Wausau, WI

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$230K

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$257K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 40K residents.

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: Wausau, WI vs Kansas City, MO

Category	Wausau, WI	Kansas City, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $99.91less	4.5%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$607/mo	↓ $70.60less	10.4%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$535/mo	↑ $56.26more	11.7%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$949/mo	↑ $44.63more	4.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $35.57less	2.8%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $14.04more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 4.5%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Kansas City, MO

$2,105

Difference

$99.91

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.4%

Wausau, WI

$678

Kansas City, MO

$607

Difference

$70.60

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 11.7%

Wausau, WI

$479

Kansas City, MO

$535

Difference

$56.26

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.9%

Wausau, WI

$905

Kansas City, MO

$949

Difference

$44.63

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.8%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Kansas City, MO

$1,216

Difference

$35.57

less

📦Other

↑ 0.9%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Kansas City, MO

$1,607

Difference

$14.04

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Wausau, WI 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$605

To$1,180

↑ $575

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,280

↑ $603

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,460

↑ $587

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$1,900

↑ $751

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/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.

$7,111

Monthly in Wausau, WI

$7,020

Monthly in Kansas City, MO

$91.14

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Kansas City

$230K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↑ +0.6%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.2%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$80K - $587K

Homes in Kansas City are 11% more expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $921

Per year

Monthly Difference

$76.74

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Wausau, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.