Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Salt Lake City is 80% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,343/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 20%
$74,925/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 21%
$495,700 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 70%
$1,394/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 24%
203,888
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $15,742/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Kansas City?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Kansas City?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $15,742/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Kansas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Kansas City details →

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