Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Kansas City is 24% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,186/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 30%
$67,449/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 4%
$227,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 44%
$1,205/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 17%
508,233
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $3,009/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Kansas City or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Clearwater?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Clearwater?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $3,009/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Florida?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Clearwater

Kansas City vs. Sacramento Kansas City vs. Mesa Kansas City vs. Tucson Kansas City vs. Atlanta Kansas City vs. Fresno Kansas City vs. Omaha Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville