Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Kansas City is 14% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,186/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 11%
$67,449/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 30%
$227,000 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 27%
$1,205/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 11%
508,233
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $20,318/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Rochester — common questions

Is Kansas City or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Rochester?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Rochester?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $20,318/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Minnesota?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Rochester details →

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