Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Tacoma is 94% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,597/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 33%
$83,857/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 29%
$454,600 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 68%
$1,747/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 40%
220,482
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $24,674/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas City's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Kansas City?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Kansas City?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $24,674/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Kansas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Kansas City details →

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