Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Springfield is 8% cheaper than Kansas City.

$920/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↑ 17%
$45,984/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 29%
$165,200 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 11%
$908/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↑ 16%
169,432
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $13,199/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Springfield or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Kansas City?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Kansas City?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $13,199/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Kansas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Kansas City details →

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