Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Kansas City is 73% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,073/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 156%
$59,183/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 114%
$147,100 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 607%
$1,054/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 150%
154,776
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,669/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $20,028/year.

Median household income is $67,286/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Kansas City or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Cambridge?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,669/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Cambridge?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $67,286/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Massachusetts?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Cambridge details →

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