Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Kansas City is 12% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,802 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Kansas City costs $220,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Kansas City versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Kansas City scores 97 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Kansas City (96) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Kansas City is $57,478 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Kansas City.
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