Kansas City vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Kansas City feels like approximately $58,187 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Kansas City feels like $58,187 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 17%.
Kansas City
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Kansas City, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.
No city is objectively better. Kansas City and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Kansas City vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kansas City or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,197/mo in Kansas City and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Kansas City?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Kansas City feels like approximately $58,187 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 17% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Kansas City and St. Louis?
Kansas City is in MO (MO levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.