Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Kansas City is 67% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,186/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 131%
$67,449/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 88%
$227,000 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 358%
$1,205/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 119%
508,233
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,556/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $18,672/year.

Median household income is $59,020/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Kansas City or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Cambridge?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,556/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Cambridge?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $59,020/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Massachusetts?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Cambridge details →

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