Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Kansas City is 24% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $56,707 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 Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $360,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Kansas City scores 97 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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