Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Kansas City, MO (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Dallas is 21% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,403/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 15%
$67,760/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$67,449/yr ≈ Same
$295,300 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 23%
$1,409/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 14%
1,299,553
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $311/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Kansas City?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Kansas City?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $311/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Kansas City details →

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