Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Worcester is 60% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,415/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 24%
$67,544/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 12%
$339,500 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 57%
$1,521/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 31%
205,501
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $8,361/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 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

Worcester vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Kansas City?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Kansas City?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $8,361/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Kansas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Kansas City details →

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