Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Kansas City is 20% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,186/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 11%
$67,449/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 5%
$227,000 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 54%
$1,205/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 14%
508,233
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $3,549/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Kansas City or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Wilmington?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Wilmington?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,549/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Wilmington details →

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