Raleigh, NC vs Kansas City, KS: 110 vs 65

$1,468/mo ↑ 37%

Median Rent

$1,073/mo ↓ 27%

$82,424/yr ↑ 39%

Median Income

$59,183/yr ↓ 28%

$377,800 ↑ 157%

Home Value

$147,100 ↓ 61%

$1,487/mo ↑ 41%

Owner Costs

$1,054/mo ↓ 29%

470,763

Population

154,776

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $23,241/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Kansas City?

Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $395/month.

Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Kansas City?

Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $23,241/year higher in Raleigh.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

Should I move to Raleigh or Kansas City?

It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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: Raleigh, NC vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Raleigh

Kansas City

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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