Austin vs Kansas City: cost of living compared
Kansas City is 25% cheaper than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; MO tops out around 4.95%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving between Austin and Kansas City presents a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Austin is noticeably more expensive than the national average, while Kansas City is considerably more affordable. The primary factor driving this disparity is housing, which is significantly higher in Austin. Other daily expenses also contribute, making Austin a more costly place to reside across most categories compared to Kansas City.
Housing
Housing costs represent a major divergence between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are substantially higher in Austin. Kansas City offers a much more accessible housing market, whether buying or renting. Austin's rapid growth has pushed home values up, while Kansas City's housing stock, often featuring more historic and established neighborhoods, remains considerably more affordable.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also differ. Missouri has a state income tax, which is an additional consideration for Kansas City residents, while Texas does not. Transportation costs are higher in Austin, reflecting its growing traffic and car-dependent nature. Food, healthcare, and utility expenses are also generally more expensive in Austin, meaning a greater portion of income goes towards these necessities compared to Kansas City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences are notable. Austin experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, characteristic of a southern climate. Kansas City, in contrast, enjoys four distinct seasons, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Austin's urban core is denser and faster-paced, while Kansas City generally offers a more spread-out feel. Both metros are largely car-dependent, though Austin's commutes are typically longer due to greater congestion.
Bottom line
For households weighing a move, the financial implications are clear: Austin demands a much higher budget for nearly all expenses, especially housing. Kansas City offers a significantly more economical option, allowing for greater purchasing power in housing and everyday spending. The absence of state income tax in Texas is balanced by higher costs across the board, making Kansas City the more budget-friendly choice overall.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 132 | 68 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 89 |
| Food index | 102 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 95 |
| Misc index | 102 | 85 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $238,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 30 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Kansas City home with the True Cost Calculator.