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

Kansas City

Springfield

Massachusetts

Kansas City is 14% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,073/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$1,114/mo ↑ 4%

$59,183/yr ↑ 15%

Median Income

$51,339/yr ↓ 13%

$147,100 ↓ 34%

Home Value

$222,700 ↑ 51%

$1,054/mo ↓ 17%

Owner Costs

$1,276/mo ↑ 21%

154,776

Population

154,751

Tax Comparison

5.7%

Income Tax

9.0%

6.5%

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 Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,844/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Springfield — common questions

Is Kansas City or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 79 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Springfield?

Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $41/month.

Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Springfield?

Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $7,844/year higher in Kansas City.

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 Springfield?

It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.