Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Kansas City is 46% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,073/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 45%
$59,183/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 37%
$147,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 196%
$1,054/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 55%
154,776
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $21,906/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Kansas City or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $21,906/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Michigan?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Ann Arbor details →

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