Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Arlington is 46% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,389/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 23%
$73,519/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 19%
$276,400 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 47%
$1,420/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 26%
394,769
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $14,336/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas City's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Arlington or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Kansas City?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Kansas City?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $14,336/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Kansas City details →

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