Cost Of Living in Kansas City 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Kansas City

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Kansas City

Whether you're living in Kansas City or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: USD
370 3,700 55,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: USD
470 3,300 37,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: USD
730 4,700 44,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: USD
1,100 5,400 54,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: USD
370 2,400 26,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Kansas City

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kansas City

Spending to Income Ratio

76%

67% to 85%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%6%
50% - 60%11%
60% - 70%18%
70% - 80%26%
80% - 90%16%
90% - 100%9%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Kansas City is 76% This means that on average, people spend around 76% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 18% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
67%
Spending-Income-Ratio
60%
76%

Couple
70%
Spending-Income-Ratio
62%
79%

Family
80%
Spending-Income-Ratio
71%
90%
Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Kansas City

How do people spend their money in Kansas City?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure27%

27% of total expenses on average (16% to 35%)

LOW110 USD
AVERAGE1,100 USD
HIGH17,000 USD
Per Month

People living in Kansas City typically spend from 16% to 35% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 27% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,100 USD with expenditure ranging from 110 USD to 17,000 USD. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW19 USD
AVERAGE190 USD
HIGH2,900 USD
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kansas City ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 190 USD with 19 USD and 2,900 USD being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute8%

8% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW38 USD
AVERAGE380 USD
HIGH5,700 USD
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 38 USD to 5,700 USD on commuting with 380 USD being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 8% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food and Groceries Cost27%

27% of total expenses on average (19% to 33%)

LOW95 USD
AVERAGE950 USD
HIGH14,000 USD
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Kansas City is 950 USD. The cost of groceries can range between 95 USD to 14,000 USD. People spend on average about 27% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 19% and 33% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW28 USD
AVERAGE280 USD
HIGH4,200 USD
Per Month

People in Kansas City allocate 4% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 28 USD to 4,200 USD with 280 USD being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW15 USD
AVERAGE150 USD
HIGH2,300 USD
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 15 USD to 2,300 USD with 150 USD being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW23 USD
AVERAGE230 USD
HIGH3,400 USD
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 230 USD per month with 23 USD being the minimum spent amount and 3,400 USD being the maximum.

Other Expenses12%

12% of total expenses on average (7% to 19%)

LOW49 USD
AVERAGE490 USD
HIGH7,300 USD
Per Month
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Kansas City

Financial Literacy in

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy77%


We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 23% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 77% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 19% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 81% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance19%

Easily manages finances81%

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kansas City

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kansas City

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

5.6 USD 11 USD 19 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kansas City is approximatly 11 USD with meal cost ranging from 5.6 USD to 19 USD. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

18 USD 28 USD 55 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 18 USD and 55 USD with 28 USD being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kansas City.

Fine dining meal for one price

37 USD 56 USD 220 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 37 USD to 220 USD with the average cost being 56 USD for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kansas City.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

4.6 USD 7.4 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kansas City is around 7.4 USD. Price ranges between 4.6 USD and 11 USD depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

3.7 USD 4.4 USD 5.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kansas City is 4.4 USD. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 5.5 USD and the minimum being 3.7 USD depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2.8 USD 3.7 USD 5.6 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A dozen eggs costs around 3.7 USD on average with 2.8 USD and 5.6 USD being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

6.2 USD 8.1 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kansas City is between 6.2 USD and 11 USD depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 8.1 USD.

Pack of beef price

7.2 USD 11 USD 22 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 11 USD. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

3 USD 4.2 USD 5.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A bag of rice in Kansas City costs around 4.2 USD on average with prices rangeing between 3 USD and 5.9 USD depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1.1 USD 1.5 USD 2.8 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1.1 USD to 2.8 USD. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

2 USD 2.6 USD 4.3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

A bag of apples costs 2.6 USD on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


15% 23% of income 28%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kansas City is around 23%. This means that people spend 23% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 15% to 28% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 550 USD per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 78 USD and 6,100 USD depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 690 USD per month. That number can be get as low as 110 USD or a high as 6,400 USD. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 210 USD to 10,000 USD with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kansas City

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kansas City

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kansas City

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

440 USD 660 USD 1,800 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

650 USD 1,000 USD 2,600 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

860 USD 1,300 USD 3,400 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,000 USD 1,700 USD 4,600 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,100 USD 5,200 USD 10,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,800 USD 2,600 USD 7,500 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

House monthly rent cost

2,100 USD 5,200 USD 10,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Villa monthly rent cost

2,600 USD 6,600 USD 11,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kansas City ranges between 440 USD and 1,800 USD, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 650 USD to 2,600 USD. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 860 USD and 3,400 USD per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,000 USD to 4,600 USD. The average rent of a townhouse in Kansas City is around 2,600 USD while house rental costs can be as high as 5,200 USD per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,600 USD to 11,000 USD per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kansas City

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

86,000 USD 130,000 USD 260,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment price

100,000 USD 170,000 USD 640,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment price

180,000 USD 530,000 USD 1.1M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

3-bedroom apartment price

580,000 USD 870,000 USD 2.6M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Townhouse price

740,000 USD 1.7M USD 6.4M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

House price

850,000 USD 5.1M USD 7.3M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Villa price

1M USD 5.7M USD 8.5M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average price of a studio apartment in Kansas City can range from 86,000 USD to 260,000 USD depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 100,000 USD to 640,000 USD. A villa can cost you 5.7M USD on average with prices ranging from 1M USD to 8.5M USD.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kansas City will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


43 x128 monthly income 200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kansas City can be x128 to x200 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x128 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kansas City.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kansas City is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
33%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.5%
AVERAGE
3.5%
TO
4.5%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


7.4 USD 74 USD 1,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Where do people choose to put their savings in Kansas City

Typical saving choices for people in Kansas City

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Kansas City is 3,300 USD. Expenses can range from 470 USD at the minimum level to 37,000 USD at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Kansas City is 4,700 USD. Expenditure can range from 730 USD to 44,000 USD per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Kansas City is 5,400 USD per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,100 USD to 54,000 USD.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Kansas City is 2,400 USD. Students spend from 370 USD to 26,000 USD per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Kansas City

Saving Challenges in Kansas City

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Kansas City. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kansas City

Low-cost alternatives in Kansas City

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options63%

Few low-cost options37%


Based on the survey, 63% of the people living in Kansas City have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 37% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Kansas City

How much money can you save in Kansas City every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Kansas City manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
68%
Not Saving
32%

Almost 68% of the surveyed people in Kansas City said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 32% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Kansas City

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles72%28%
Couples65%35%
Families62%38%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Kansas City

Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

150 USD
$150
1,500 USD
$1,500
23,000 USD
$23,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 32% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,500 USD on average with savings ranging from 150 USD to 23,000 USD.

72% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 65% of couples said the same. 62% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Kansas City?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 26% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

160 USD
$160
1,400 USD
$1,400
16,000 USD
$16,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 34% of their monthly income to savings, with 26% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,400 USD with 160 USD and 16,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

310 USD
$310
2,000 USD
$2,000
18,000 USD
$18,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 32% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,000 USD with 310 USD and 18,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

460 USD
$460
2,300 USD
$2,300
23,000 USD
$23,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%28%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%6%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Kansas City can save anywhere between 12% to 31% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,300 USD with 460 USD and 23,000 USD being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Kansas City

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Kansas City

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

5.6 USD 11 USD 19 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Restaurant meal for one

18 USD 28 USD 55 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Fine dining meal for one

37 USD 56 USD 220 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Cappuccino or latte

4.6 USD 7.4 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

3.7 USD 4.4 USD 5.5 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

12 eggs

2.8 USD 3.7 USD 5.6 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Fresh whole chicken

6.2 USD 8.1 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Pack of beef

7.2 USD 11 USD 22 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Medium bag of rice

3 USD 4.2 USD 5.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Bag of tomatos

1.1 USD 1.5 USD 2.8 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Bag of apples

2 USD 2.6 USD 4.3 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kansas City

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

4.6 USD 5.5 USD 11 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average car full tank

28 USD 37 USD 75 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average car 1-day rental

29 USD 38 USD 58 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average car price

14,000 USD 29,000 USD 38,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Bus ticket one way

0.95 USD 1.4 USD 2.9 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Car Service

38 USD 57 USD 110 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kansas City

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

30 USD 210 USD 2,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility Bill - Couple

31 USD 230 USD 2,600 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility Bill - Family

58 USD 290 USD 2,900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Internet and cable

27 USD 55 USD 73 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Mobile phone charges

24 USD 40 USD 120 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

15 USD 20 USD 29 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

One month gym membership

44 USD 55 USD 110 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kansas City

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

32 USD 46 USD 69 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Woman dress

30 USD 42 USD 140 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Woman shoes

30 USD 40 USD 93 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Men's shoes

25 USD 31 USD 62 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Men suit

27 USD 34 USD 180 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Regular t-shirt

14 USD 18 USD 54 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kansas City

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

440 USD 660 USD 1,800 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment

650 USD 1,000 USD 2,600 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment

860 USD 1,300 USD 3,400 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

86,000 USD 130,000 USD 260,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

1-bedroom apartment

100,000 USD 170,000 USD 640,000 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

2-bedroom apartment

180,000 USD 530,000 USD 1.1M USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kansas City

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

560 USD 700 USD 940 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Double Bed

370 USD 560 USD 700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Single Bed

320 USD 420 USD 550 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Living Room

610 USD 780 USD 2,700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Dining Table

280 USD 380 USD 700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Sofa or Couch

370 USD 510 USD 1,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kansas City

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

370 USD 560 USD 1,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Fridge or Freezer

320 USD 500 USD 690 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Washing Machine

440 USD 630 USD 1,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Stove or Cooker

400 USD 510 USD 700 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Mobile Phone

460 USD 560 USD 790 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Laptop or Computer

500 USD 610 USD 1,100 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Kansas City

Affordable living in Kansas City

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kansas City?


Yes
82%
No
18%

Around 82% of surveyed residents think that living in Kansas City is affordable with proper budgeting while 18% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes80%

No20%


Based on the survey, 20% of the people living in Kansas City said that they don't have an emergency fund while 80% said that they do.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Kansas City

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Kansas City and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Kansas City:
AgeAmount
2511,000 USD
3023,000 USD
3539,000 USD
4055,000 USD
4586,000 USD
50120,000 USD
55140,000 USD
60170,000 USD
65210,000 USD

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions13%
Savings22%
Investments13%
Social Security8%
Annuities8%
Part-time Job10%
Real Estate17%
Dividends and Interest8%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Kansas City

260 USD
$260
2,400 USD
$2,400
26,000 USD
$26,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
Financial goals and targets of people living in Kansas City

Financial goals of people in Kansas City

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kansas City, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Kansas City

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kansas City


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
24%
Debt Free
76%

According to the survey, 24% of the people in Kansas City have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 76% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kansas City

Debt-to-income ratio in Kansas City

Debt to income ratio

25%

15% to 35%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 25% of the people's monthly income in Kansas City goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kansas City pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kansas City

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan37%

13% of debtors in Kansas City confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Kansas City.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kansas City

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Kansas City

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kansas City

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

30 USD 210 USD 2,300 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

31 USD 230 USD 2,600 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

58 USD 290 USD 2,900 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Internet and cable cost

27 USD 55 USD 73 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Mobile phone bill and charges

24 USD 40 USD 120 USD
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Kansas City ranges between 30 USD and 2,300 USD with average being 210 USD, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 230 USD with 31 USD and 2,600 USD being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 290 USD. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 27 USD to 73 USD with 55 USD being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 40 USD but can range between 24 USD and 120 USD depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


0.90% 3.7% of income 7.5%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kansas City is around 3.7%. This means that people pay 3.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 0.90% to 7.5% depending on salary and location.

Cost of living comparison by city

#1 Bristol

The average cost of living in Bristol is 2,200 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Bristol is ranked first in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#2 Iowa City

The average cost of living in Iowa City is 2,200 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Iowa City is ranked second in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#3 Kent

The average cost of living in Kent is 2,300 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Kent is ranked third in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#4 Vancouver

The average cost of living in Vancouver is 2,400 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Vancouver is ranked fourth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#5 Orlando

The average cost of living in Orlando is 2,500 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Orlando is ranked fifth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#6 Cincinnati

The average cost of living in Cincinnati is 2,600 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Cincinnati is ranked sixth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#7 Honolulu

The average cost of living in Honolulu is 2,700 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Honolulu is ranked seventh in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#8 Tampa

The average cost of living in Tampa is 2,800 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Tampa is ranked eighth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#9 Cleveland

The average cost of living in Cleveland is 2,900 USD, which is 33% less than the country average. Cleveland is ranked ninth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#10 New Orleans

The average cost of living in New Orleans is 3,000 USD, which is same as the country average. New Orleans is ranked tenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#11 Minneapolis

The average cost of living in Minneapolis is 3,100 USD, which is same as the country average. Minneapolis is ranked eleventh in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#12 Oakland

The average cost of living in Oakland is 3,200 USD, which is same as the country average. Oakland is ranked twelfth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#13 Miami

The average cost of living in Miami is 3,300 USD, which is same as the country average. Miami is ranked thirteenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#14 Long Beach

The average cost of living in Long Beach is 3,500 USD, which is same as the country average. Long Beach is ranked fourteenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#15 Atlanta

The average cost of living in Atlanta is 3,600 USD, which is same as the country average. Atlanta is ranked fifteenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#16 Kansas City

The average cost of living in Kansas City is 3,700 USD, which is same as the country average. Kansas City is ranked sixteenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#17 Sacramento

The average cost of living in Sacramento is 3,800 USD, which is same as the country average. Sacramento is ranked seventeenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#18 Baltimore

The average cost of living in Baltimore is 3,900 USD, which is same as the country average. Baltimore is ranked eighteenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#19 Las Vegas

The average cost of living in Las Vegas is 4,100 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Las Vegas is ranked nineteenth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#20 Oklahoma City

The average cost of living in Oklahoma City is 4,200 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Oklahoma City is ranked twentyth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#21 Memphis

The average cost of living in Memphis is 4,300 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Memphis is ranked twenty-onth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#22 Detroit

The average cost of living in Detroit is 4,500 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Detroit is ranked twenty-twoth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#23 Boston

The average cost of living in Boston is 4,600 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Boston is ranked twenty-threth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#24 Washington D.C.

The average cost of living in Washington D.C. is 4,800 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Washington D.C. is ranked twenty-fourth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#25 Denver

The average cost of living in Denver is 4,900 USD, which is 33% more than the country average. Denver is ranked twenty-fivth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#26 Seattle

The average cost of living in Seattle is 5,100 USD, which is 67% more than the country average. Seattle is ranked twenty-sixth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#27 Indianapolis

The average cost of living in Indianapolis is 5,200 USD, which is 67% more than the country average. Indianapolis is ranked twenty-seventh in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#28 San Francisco

The average cost of living in San Francisco is 5,400 USD, which is 67% more than the country average. San Francisco is ranked twenty-eightth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#29 Jacksonville

The average cost of living in Jacksonville is 5,500 USD, which is 67% more than the country average. Jacksonville is ranked twenty-ninth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#30 Austin

The average cost of living in Austin is 5,700 USD, which is 67% more than the country average. Austin is ranked thirtyth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#31 San Jose

The average cost of living in San Jose is 5,900 USD, which is 67% more than the country average. San Jose is ranked thirty-onth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#32 Dallas

The average cost of living in Dallas is 6,000 USD, which is 100% more than the country average. Dallas is ranked thirty-twoth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#33 San Diego

The average cost of living in San Diego is 6,200 USD, which is 100% more than the country average. San Diego is ranked thirty-threth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#34 San Antonio

The average cost of living in San Antonio is 6,400 USD, which is 100% more than the country average. San Antonio is ranked thirty-fourth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#35 Philadelphia

The average cost of living in Philadelphia is 6,600 USD, which is 100% more than the country average. Philadelphia is ranked thirty-fivth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#36 Phoenix

The average cost of living in Phoenix is 6,700 USD, which is 100% more than the country average. Phoenix is ranked thirty-sixth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#37 Houston

The average cost of living in Houston is 6,900 USD, which is 100% more than the country average. Houston is ranked thirty-seventh in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#38 Chicago

The average cost of living in Chicago is 7,100 USD, which is 130% more than the country average. Chicago is ranked thirty-eightth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#39 Los Angeles

The average cost of living in Los Angeles is 7,300 USD, which is 130% more than the country average. Los Angeles is ranked thirty-ninth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#40 New York

The average cost of living in New York is 7,500 USD, which is 130% more than the country average. New York is ranked fortyth in United States in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


Published: May 21, 2024   Last Update: April 11, 2025



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