Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Kansas City is 40% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,186/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 20%
$67,449/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 23%
$227,000 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 43%
$1,205/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 24%
508,233
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $15,198/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Evansville — common questions

Is Kansas City or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Evansville?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Evansville?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $15,198/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Indiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

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