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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Kansas City is 17% cheaper than Garland.

$1,186/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 29%
$67,449/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 11%
$227,000 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 10%
$1,205/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 20%
508,233
Population
245,298

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $7,268/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Garland — common questions

Is Kansas City or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Garland?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Garland?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $7,268/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Garland details →

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