Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Kansas City is 29% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,186/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 23%
$67,449/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 5%
$227,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 73%
$1,205/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 28%
508,233
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $3,575/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Kansas City or Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $3,575/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and New Jersey?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Elizabeth details →

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