Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Kansas City is 37% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,186/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 35%
$67,449/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 24%
$227,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 100%
$1,205/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 45%
508,233
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $16,408/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Kansas City or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Tacoma?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Tacoma?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $16,408/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Washington?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Tacoma

Kansas City vs. Sacramento Kansas City vs. Mesa Kansas City vs. Tucson Kansas City vs. Atlanta Kansas City vs. Fresno Kansas City vs. Omaha Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville