Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Kansas City is 68% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,186/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 111%
$67,449/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 139%
$227,000 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 430%
$1,205/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 115%
508,233
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,319/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $15,828/year.

Median household income is $93,851/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Kansas City or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Bellevue?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,319/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Bellevue?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $93,851/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Washington?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Bellevue details →

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