Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Kansas City is 42% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,186/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 40%
$67,449/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 24%
$227,000 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 142%
$1,205/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 40%
508,233
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $16,149/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Kansas City or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $16,149/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Colorado?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Fort Collins details →

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