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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Kansas City is 7% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,186/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 4%
$67,449/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 10%
$227,000 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 13%
$1,205/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 2%
508,233
Population
261,078

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
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,962/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Kansas City or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Lubbock?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Lubbock?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $6,962/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 Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Lubbock details →

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