Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Providence, RI (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Kansas City is 19% cheaper than Providence.

$1,186/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 12%
$67,449/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 1%
$227,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 42%
$1,205/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 22%
508,233
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $677/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Providence — common questions

Is Kansas City or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Providence?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Providence?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $677/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Rhode Island?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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