Mesa, AZ vs Kansas City, KS: 107 vs 65

$1,478/mo ↑ 38%

Median Rent

$1,073/mo ↓ 27%

$78,779/yr ↑ 33%

Median Income

$59,183/yr ↓ 25%

$364,300 ↑ 148%

Home Value

$147,100 ↓ 60%

$1,404/mo ↑ 33%

Owner Costs

$1,054/mo ↓ 25%

507,478

Population

154,776

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $19,596/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Mesa or Kansas City cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 107 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Mesa and Kansas City?

Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $405/month.

Which city has higher income, Mesa or Kansas City?

Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $19,596/year higher in Mesa.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kansas?

Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

Should I move to Mesa or Kansas City?

It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Mesa

Kansas City

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons