Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Kansas City is 19% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,073/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 8%
$59,183/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 6%
$147,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 66%
$1,054/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 11%
154,776
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $3,530/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Columbia — common questions

Is Kansas City or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Columbia?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Columbia?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $3,530/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and South Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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