Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Cleveland is 6% more affordable than Kansas City. A $75,000 salary in Kansas City is equivalent to $70,161 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Kansas City sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $220,000 in Kansas City, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,100 in Kansas City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Kansas City scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) match Kansas City (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $57,478 in Kansas City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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