🇺🇸 Dallas vs 🇺🇸 Kansas City
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Dallas
United States
$2,215–$3,508/mo
$2,215 – $3,508 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Kansas City
United States
$1,908–$3,021/mo
$1,908 – $3,021 / month (local)
Dallas is 16% more expensive
Kansas City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Dallas (USD) | Kansas City (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,662–$2,585 | $1,431–$2,226 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $877–$1,385 | $755–$1,192 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Utilities | $69–$134 | $60–$115 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Groceries | $351–$526 | $302–$453 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $46–$83 | $40–$72 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $88–$106 | $76–$91 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Internet & Mobile | $28–$46 | $24–$40 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Gym membership | $32–$60 | $28–$52 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$17 | $11–$14 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,215–$3,508 | $1,908–$3,021 | 🟢 Kansas City |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.0 / 10 · 5.1 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Kansas City
Safety9.6 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Dallas
Kansas City▲ better
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Dallas
Kansas City▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Dallas
Kansas City▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Dallas
Kansas City▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Kansas City
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Dallas▲ better
Kansas City
Internet7.6 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Dallas
Kansas City▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Dallas offers vs Kansas City
- ✓No state income tax
- ✓Jobs
- ✓Airport hub
- ✓Corporate relocations
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Dallas
- ✓BBQ
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Central US
- ✓Logistics
You might also like…
📊
Full Dallas guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Dallas →📊
Full Kansas City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Kansas City →