🇺🇸 Houston vs 🇺🇸 Kansas City
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Houston
United States
$2,154–$3,410/mo
$2,154 – $3,410 / month (local)
🇺🇸
Kansas City
United States
$1,908–$3,021/mo
$1,908 – $3,021 / month (local)
Houston is 13% more expensive
Kansas City wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Houston (USD) | Kansas City (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,615–$2,513 | $1,431–$2,226 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $853–$1,346 | $755–$1,192 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Utilities | $67–$130 | $60–$115 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Groceries | $341–$512 | $302–$453 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $45–$81 | $40–$72 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Public transport (monthly) | $85–$103 | $76–$91 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Internet & Mobile | $27–$45 | $24–$40 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Gym membership | $31–$58 | $28–$52 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Cinema ticket | $13–$16 | $11–$14 | 🟢 Kansas City |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,154–$3,410 | $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
Housing5.1 / 10 · 5.1 / 10
Houston
Kansas City
Safety8.6 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Houston
Kansas City▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Houston▲ better
Kansas City
Education8.2 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Houston▲ better
Kansas City
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Houston▲ better
Kansas City
Economy7.3 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Houston▲ better
Kansas City
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Houston▲ better
Kansas City
Internet8.3 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Houston▲ better
Kansas City
Who should choose which city?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Houston offers vs Kansas City
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Energy jobs
- ✓Energy sector
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Houston
- ✓BBQ
- ✓Affordable housing
- ✓Central US
- ✓Logistics
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Full Houston guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Houston →📊
Full Kansas City guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Kansas City →