Columbia, MO vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison
Kansas City has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbia | Kansas City | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 86 | 81 | Kansas City |
| Housing | 77 ($747) | 65 ($830) | Kansas City |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Columbia |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 90 ($369) | Columbia |
| Utilities | 89 ($139) | 83 ($117) | Kansas City |
| Healthcare | 89 ($100) | 83 ($85) | Kansas City |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,800) | 99 ($47,800) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia, MO or Kansas City, MO cheaper to live in?
Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (Columbia, MO: 86, Kansas City, MO: 81; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, MO vs Kansas City, MO?
A single adult needs roughly $30,100/year in Columbia, MO and $28,350/year in Kansas City, MO to cover basic living costs.