Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Philadelphia is 31% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,323/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 19%
$60,698/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 2%
$232,400 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 37%
$1,233/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 15%
1,582,432
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Kansas City?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Kansas City?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Kansas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
View Philadelphia details → View Kansas City details →

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