Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Kansas City is 12% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,186/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 5%
$67,449/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 8%
$227,000 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 23%
$1,205/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 15%
508,233
Population
307,762

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
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $5,606/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Kansas City or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and St. Paul?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or St. Paul?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $5,606/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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