Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Kansas City is 29% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,186/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 12%
$67,449/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 34%
$227,000 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 39%
$1,205/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 18%
508,233
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $23,073/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Kansas City or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Birmingham?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Birmingham?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $23,073/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Alabama?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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