Columbus, OH vs Kansas City, KS: 83 vs 65

$1,224/mo ↑ 14%

Median Rent

$1,073/mo ↓ 12%

$65,327/yr ↑ 10%

Median Income

$59,183/yr ↓ 9%

$234,500 ↑ 59%

Home Value

$147,100 ↓ 37%

$1,243/mo ↑ 18%

Owner Costs

$1,054/mo ↓ 15%

906,480

Population

154,776

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $6,144/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Columbus and Kansas City?

Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $151/month.

Which city has higher income, Columbus or Kansas City?

Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $6,144/year higher in Columbus.

How do taxes compare between Ohio and Kansas?

Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

Should I move to Columbus or Kansas City?

It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.

Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Columbus

Kansas City

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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