Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Kansas City is 52% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,186/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 61%
$67,449/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 59%
$227,000 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 213%
$1,205/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 51%
508,233
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $724/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $8,688/year.

Median household income is $39,923/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Kansas City or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $724/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $39,923/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Arizona?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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