Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Kansas City, MO (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Baltimore is 5% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,290/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 8%
$59,623/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↑ 13%
$219,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$227,000 ↑ 4%
$1,333/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 10%
577,193
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $7,826/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Baltimore or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Kansas City?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Kansas City?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $7,826/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Missouri?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,186/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Baltimore details → View Kansas City details →

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