Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Kansas City is 13% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $65,187 in Kansas City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Kansas City sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $220,000 in Kansas City, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,100 in Kansas City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Kansas City scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Kansas City (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $57,478 in Kansas City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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