🇺🇸 Denver vs 🇺🇸 Kansas City
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Denver
United States
$2,462–$3,897/mo
$2,462 – $3,897 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Kansas City
United States
$1,908–$3,021/mo
$1,908 – $3,021 / month (local)
Denver is 29% more expensive
Kansas City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Denver (USD) | Kansas City (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,846–$2,872 | $1,431–$2,226 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $974–$1,538 | $755–$1,192 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Utilities | $77–$149 | $60–$115 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Groceries | $390–$585 | $302–$453 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $51–$92 | $40–$72 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $97–$118 | $76–$91 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Internet & Mobile | $31–$51 | $24–$40 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Gym membership | $36–$67 | $28–$52 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $11–$14 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,462–$3,897 | $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
Housing4.4 / 10 · 5.1 / 10
Denver
Kansas City▲ better
Safety8.5 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Denver
Kansas City▲ better
Healthcare8.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Denver▲ better
Kansas City
Education8.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Denver▲ better
Kansas City
Environment8.9 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Denver▲ better
Kansas City
Economy7.2 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Denver▲ better
Kansas City
Culture7.8 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Denver▲ better
Kansas City
Internet8.2 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Denver▲ better
Kansas City
Who should choose which city?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Denver offers vs Kansas City
- ✓Mountains
- ✓Sun
- ✓Young workforce
- ✓Outdoor industry
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Denver
- ✓BBQ
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Central US
- ✓Logistics
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📊
Full Denver guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Denver →📊
Full Kansas City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Kansas City →