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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Kansas City is 25% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,186/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 23%
$67,449/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 20%
$227,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 48%
$1,205/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 29%
508,233
Population
157,660

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
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $13,683/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Paterson — common questions

Is Kansas City or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Paterson?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Paterson?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $13,683/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 Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Paterson details →

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