salaryKansas City is the 3rd-largest city in Kansas that we track, with 155,135 residents. Rent is lower than in 68% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $52,680 a year. That is $25 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Kansas cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Kansas. It is number 43 of 65 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Kansas City?
Share of households by yearly income. 17.2% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Kansas City
| Size | Kansas City | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $887 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,022 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,241 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,498 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,601 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Kansas City overall?
Everyday prices in the Kansas City metro area are 7% below the U.S. average (index 92.5, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Kansas City
Life in Kansas City
What jobs pay in Kansas City
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $139,460 | 11.3% |
| Lawyer | $134,640 | 11.7% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,350 | 11.9% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,760 | 12.1% |
| Software Developer | $124,990 | 12.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $101,340 | 15.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $98,860 | 16.0% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,750 | 17.0% |
| Operations Manager | $90,490 | 17.5% |
| Registered Nurse | $83,040 | 19.0% |
| Accountant | $80,040 | 19.7% |
| Electrician | $76,860 | 20.6% |
| Plumber | $76,150 | 20.8% |
| Market Research Analyst | $72,580 | 21.8% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,420 | 24.5% |
| Police Officer | $62,960 | 25.1% |
| HVAC Technician | $62,680 | 25.2% |
| Carpenter | $61,810 | 25.6% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,060 | 25.9% |
| Firefighter | $60,770 | 26.0% |
| Truck Driver | $60,170 | 26.3% |
| Medical Assistant | $45,300 | 34.9% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,350 | 35.6% |
| Warehouse Worker | $41,700 | 37.9% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,710 | 39.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,370 | 42.3% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,080 | 43.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,320 | 46.0% |
| Cashier | $30,700 | 51.5% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Kansas City?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $155 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $167,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $16,740 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Kansas City, KS?
Renting in Kansas City costs a median of about $1,317 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Kansas median is $1,222.
How much do I need to make to live in Kansas City?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $52,680 a year, or $25 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Kansas City cheap or expensive?
Kansas City is rated OK: rent takes 23.5% of the typical household income of $67,299. It ranks 43rd cheapest of 65 Kansas cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Kansas City?
The median homeowner in Kansas City pays $2,405 a year in property taxes, about 1.44% of the median home value.
Is Kansas City more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 7% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Kansas City?
The median home value in Kansas City is $167,400, about 2.5 times the typical yearly household income.
155,135 people live in Kansas City. Numbers are typical (middle) values.