Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Kansas City is 57% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,073/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 68%
$59,183/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 92%
$147,100 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 308%
$1,054/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 85%
154,776
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $54,213/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Arvada — common questions

Is Kansas City or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Arvada?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Arvada?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $54,213/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Arvada details →

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