Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Richmond is 51% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,314/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 18%
$62,671/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 6%
$328,100 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 55%
$1,374/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 23%
227,595
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $3,488/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Richmond 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 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Kansas City?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Kansas City?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $3,488/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Kansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Kansas City details →

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