Let’s talk about the cost of living in Kansas City. The median household income in Jackson County is $66,055 according to the US Census Bureau. State-wise, Missouri is No. 39 in the country for median income at ~$68,545 per household, and Kansas is No. 36 at $70,333.

But just how expensive is it to live in Kansas City? Is it cheaper elsewhere? Let’s crunch the numbers.

Kansas City's cost vs. Omaha's cost

At a glance, you can get a good sense of Kansas City's cost by comparing it to our neighbors. We used NerdWallet’s calculator to give you a look at the numbers:

Income. If you make $50,000 in Kansas City, you’d need to make $49,311for a similar lifestyle in Omaha.
Housing is 9% higher in Kansas City, with the median rent for a two-bedroom being $1,543 in Omaha compared to the median in Kansas City: $1,550.
Gas. If you moved to Omaha you’d pay 9% more on a gallon of gas. It averages at $3.29 a gallon there.
Food. You’d pay 1% more on groceries and eating out in Omaha.

How much is rent?

The median rent in Jackson County is $1,197 — higher than the average rent in Missouri: $1,019. Compare that to the median gross rent in the US: $1,406 per the American Community Survey 1-Year estimate.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Kansas City, we’ve got the stats for that too. The average house in Missouri is valued at $261,715. But in Kansas City, the average home is valued lower: $251,607, up 1% from the year before.

Compare that to the average US home value at $368,581, up 0.3% over the past year.

How much do groceries cost?

Your grocery bill will vary based on your family size and dietary needs, but we can give you a sense of what you’ll be spending in the checkout line, using NerdWallet’s calculator. On average, a dozen eggs will cost you $3.29 in Kansas City and a gallon of milk costs $4.66.

How much does it cost to eat out in Kansas City? Well, if we’re talking about a Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald’s, it costs $5.22 according to NerdWallet. Compare that to the national average of $5.39 in 2024.

How much does daycare cost?

If you have a family, you need to know how much childcare costs in Kansas City. A full day of private preschool (or kindergarten) averages at $1,393 per month in Kansas City.

Good to know: We have a guide to school districts in Kansas City.

How much does healthcare cost?

The average doctor’s visit will run you $91 in Kansas City. Don’t forget the dentist — those visits average at $101.

In Jackson County, 10% of the population does not have health care coverage according to the US Census Bureau. Health insurance costs vary based on factors like age and plan, but it tends to cost between around $400 to $600 per month for an individual plan.

How much does transportation and gas cost?

Car owners will likely pay $3.26 per gallon of gas. If you’re taking the bus, plan to pay $2 per ride once Ride KC resumes fares in a few months.

Worth noting that our walk score is 93, in case that’s how you prefer to get around.