Kansas City vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 23% more expensive than Kansas City overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT vs 4.95% in MO.
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 Kansas City and Salt Lake City means a significant shift in overall expenses. Kansas City offers a noticeably lower cost of living compared to the national average, while Salt Lake City is somewhat above it. The primary factor driving this difference is the cost of housing, which is substantially higher in Salt Lake City, making it a key consideration for anyone weighing a move between these two metros.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Salt Lake City than in Kansas City. Salt Lake City's median home prices are much higher, and rental rates for typical apartments also show a substantial gap. Kansas City generally offers more affordable options, with a mix of historic and newer homes, while Salt Lake City's housing market reflects its rapid growth and demand.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses show some variation. Transportation costs are roughly similar in both cities. Food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are all somewhat more expensive in Salt Lake City. State income tax rates are quite comparable, with a slight difference. Utilities are generally similar, meaning the biggest impact on daily spending will come from the higher costs for many goods and services in Salt Lake City.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Non-price differences are notable. Kansas City experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, while Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with dry, hot summers and snowy winters, benefiting from its proximity to mountains. Both metros are car-dependent, though Salt Lake City has a more developed light rail system. Kansas City offers a more sprawling, Midwestern feel, while Salt Lake City has a denser, more mountainous urban core.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the budget impact is clear: Kansas City generally offers a much more affordable lifestyle, primarily due to significantly lower housing costs. While some daily expenses are similar, the cumulative effect of higher housing, food, and other goods in Salt Lake City means a household budget will stretch further in Kansas City. A move to Salt Lake City would likely require a substantial adjustment to housing expenditures.
| Measure | Kansas City, MO | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 108 |
| Housing index | 68 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 89 |
| Food index | 90 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 95 |
| Misc index | 85 | 95 |
| Median home price | $238,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.