Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Kansas City is 28% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $53,654 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Kansas City has a housing index of 80 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Kansas City scores 97 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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