Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Kansas City is 6% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $70,455 in Kansas City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Kansas City has a housing index of 80 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Kansas City scores 97 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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