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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Fort Worth is 21% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,412/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 16%
$76,602/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↓ 12%
$277,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 18%
$1,489/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 19%
941,311
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $9,153/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and Kansas City?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Kansas City?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $9,153/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Kansas City details →

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