Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Kansas City and Tyler have a similar cost of living.

$1,186/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 1%
$67,449/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 3%
$227,000 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 5%
$1,205/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 3%
508,233
Population
107,718

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,922/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Tyler — common questions

Is Kansas City or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Tyler?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Tyler?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $1,922/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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