Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs College Station, TX (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Kansas City is 12% cheaper than College Station.

$1,186/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 2%
$67,449/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 23%
$227,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 44%
$1,205/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 4%
508,233
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,673/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs College Station — common questions

Is Kansas City or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and College Station?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or College Station?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $15,673/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and College Station

Kansas City vs. Sacramento Kansas City vs. Mesa Kansas City vs. Tucson Kansas City vs. Atlanta Kansas City vs. Fresno Kansas City vs. Omaha College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette