Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Kansas City is 32% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,186/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 13%
$67,449/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 11%
$227,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 118%
$1,205/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 16%
508,233
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $7,476/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Kansas City or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $7,476/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Utah?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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