Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Kansas City is 61% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,186/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 92%
$67,449/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 108%
$227,000 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 281%
$1,205/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 100%
508,233
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,089/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $13,068/year.

Median household income is $72,711/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Arlington — common questions

Is Kansas City or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Arlington?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,089/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Arlington?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $72,711/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Virginia?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Arlington details →

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