Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Kansas City is 15% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $63,409 in Kansas City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Kansas City sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $220,000 in Kansas City, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Kansas City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Kansas City scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Kansas City (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $57,478 in Kansas City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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