Kansas City, MO vs West Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Kansas City has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Kansas City | West Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 81 | 93 | Kansas City |
| Housing | 65 ($830) | 82 ($836) | Kansas City |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | West Des Moines |
| Food & groceries | 90 ($369) | 114 ($467) | Kansas City |
| Utilities | 83 ($117) | 91 ($148) | Kansas City |
| Healthcare | 83 ($85) | 91 ($107) | Kansas City |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,800) | 100 ($48,540) | Kansas City |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City, MO or West Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Kansas City, MO is cheaper overall by about 12 index points (Kansas City, MO: 81, West Des Moines, IA: 93; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Kansas City, MO vs West Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $28,350/year in Kansas City, MO and $32,550/year in West Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.