Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Boise, ID (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Kansas City is 29% cheaper than Boise.

$1,186/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 15%
$67,449/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 21%
$227,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 101%
$1,205/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 11%
508,233
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Boise — common questions

Is Kansas City or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Boise?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Boise?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Idaho?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Boise details →

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