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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Kansas City is 20% cheaper than Newark.

$1,186/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 12%
$67,449/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 28%
$227,000 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 49%
$1,205/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 18%
508,233
Population
307,188

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
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $144/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,728/year.

Median household income is $19,033/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Newark — common questions

Is Kansas City or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Newark?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $144/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Newark?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $19,033/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 Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Newark details →

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