With a cost of living 2.5 percent below the national average, from groceries to gasoline, utilities and housing, Kansas City is one of the most affordable cities in the Midwest. Cost-of-living indices are based on a U, S. Less than 100 means Kansas City, Missouri, is cheaper than the U.S. UU.
Kansas City, MO, is the sixth largest city in the Midwest with more than 481,000 people who consider it their home. Like all major cities, Kansas City has great amenities, such as shopping, entertainment and incredible restaurants. Another advantage of living in this city is the low prices. The cost of living in Kansas City, MO is 6.3 percent lower than in the U.S.
That number has also fallen in the past year, by 2.3 percent. To find out if this city is for you, you'll need to see if it fits your budget. Can you really pay the average rent in Kansas City, MO if you add the following factors to your total cost of living? The biggest expense in your monthly budget is housing costs. Where you live and what you pay for rent will have a direct and sometimes radical impact on the cost of living in Kansas City, MO.
You're not limited to renting in Kansas City. You may find that buying a home is generally more affordable for you and your family. Kansas City is one of those amazing cities where you can get big-city services, but you don't always have to worry about big-city prices. Take food costs as an example.
On average, they are 11.4 percent lower than the U.S. Average, which is a somewhat significant decrease from last year's costs (up 5.7 percent). If you fancy good food, international cuisine, or other specialty restaurants, you won't be disappointed. Kansas City offers gourmet Italian barbecue, classic fare (think 50's cocktail), and more.
If you're like most people, you're rethinking how to maximize your budget, as there's a lot in the air during the pandemic. Cooking most meals at home is one way to significantly reduce food costs. In addition to food, utility costs take up another big part of your monthly budget and can increase the cost of living in Kansas City, MO. Depending on whether the landlord covers these costs or not, utility rates may even increase the average rent in Kansas City, MO.
If you want to save on utilities (and who doesn't), you might want to look for apartments in Kansas City, MO that offer eco-friendly amenities. Savings can add up over time. The best way to get around Kansas City is by car. Walkability and cycling scores (48 and 43, respectively) are relatively low, mainly due to lack of bike paths.
There are a few walkable neighborhoods within the city, Old Westport, South Plaza and Downtown Loop, where you can get some exercise and run some errands. The transit score (3) is also missing, although there are some options such as the Kansas City Regional Transportation Company (RideKC). The company has the Park and Ride option and several buses. Its Transit app helps you plan your trip by providing real-time information.
You can also pay fees and passes through Freedom On-Demand. Most residents have their own vehicle, as doing so gives them the freedom to come and go according to their schedule, not that of a bus company. OTC drugs are about 7.08 percent lower than the national average, while prescription drug costs are about the same as in the U.S. It's important to note that averaging healthcare costs is often difficult.
What you pay compared to your neighbors will vary, sometimes drastically. The reason for this isn't just the insurance company you choose or the plans they offer. Some people will have higher costs because they don't have insurance. Others because they have chronic health problems.
Figuring out how healthcare costs affect the cost of living in Kansas City, MO will require a bit of research, but it will be worth seeing if living in this city is within the budget. Miscellaneous goods and services are, on average, 7 percent cheaper than other cities in the U.S. While it's not easy trying to calculate everything you spend your money on each month (or quarter or year), it's important to get a general idea of how much you spend on various goods and services. These charges can significantly increase the cost of living in Kansas City, MO, and could even make the average rent in Kansas City, MO out of reach.
Another factor to consider in determining the cost of living in Kansas City, MO is the tax rate in that city, as well as state and county taxes. Even though the price is higher, it doesn't mean you can't afford to live in Kansas City, MO. If you are comfortable reducing costs in other areas (walking and biking as much as possible to save fuel or eating out less often), you can pay the cost of rent in this city. Also, remember that there are several neighborhoods in Kansas City and the surrounding suburbs that offer great rentals at lower prices.
If you're curious if you can afford to live in this city, be sure to check out our free rental calculator. That said, for many people, the average cost of living and rent in Kansas City, MO is quite affordable. Much more than many big cities across the country. If you're one of those people who want to take the plunge and move to this beautiful city, be sure to check out our rental list to find apartments for rent in Kansas City, MO that fit your budget.
We break down why the cost of living in Birmingham is closer to average national costs than you might think. There are more options than being a duck in Oregon. Located on the border of Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City spans 15 counties in both states, with Kansas City, Missouri, as the anchor city. So what do you think of the spending outlook in Kansas City? We hope you'll see a city full of opportunities that is more affordable than most of these sizes and heights.
As Leslie Alexandria told us on Facebook, I moved to Kansas City from the Atlanta metropolitan area, where traffic is atrocious, but I've never had to sit at that kind of rush hour in Kansas City. . .
