Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Kansas City is 18% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $61,184 in Kansas City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Kansas City sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $220,000 in Kansas City, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,100 in Kansas City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Kansas City scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Kansas City (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $57,478 in Kansas City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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