Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Kansas City, MO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Kansas City

Missouri
80

Seattle is 145% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,998/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,186/mo ↓ 41%
$121,984/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$67,449/yr ↓ 45%
$912,100 ↑ 302%
Home Value
$227,000 ↓ 75%
$2,220/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,205/mo ↓ 46%
741,440
Population
508,233

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Kansas City, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $54,535/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $227,000 in Kansas City.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Seattle or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Kansas City?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Kansas City it's $1,186/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Kansas City?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $67,449 in Kansas City. Median household income is $54,535/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,186/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Kansas City details →

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