Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
St. Louis is 3% more affordable than Kansas City. A $75,000 salary in Kansas City is equivalent to $72,581 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Missouri salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Kansas City has a housing index of 80 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $45,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Kansas City scores 97 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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