City Comparison
Leavenworth vs Kansas City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Leavenworth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Leavenworth
Kansas City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Leavenworth is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Kansas City.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Kansas City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,231 | -7% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $165 | $180 | -8% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,025 | $2,231 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kansas City offers 21% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kansas City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Leavenworth is estimated at
$50,000 vs $50,000 in Kansas City.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 87,640 idx |
| Household Income | $68,000 | $56,120 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Leavenworth runs warmer on average — a 56.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Leavenworth comes out ahead with 267 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Leavenworth sees 17.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 267 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Leavenworth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Leavenworth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kansas City is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Leavenworth.
From a growth perspective, Kansas City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Leavenworth has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,500 | 155,438 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Leavenworth
Advantages
Fort Leavenworth provides robust local economic stability and high-paying federal and civilian jobs.
Housing costs remain significantly more affordable than the nearby Kansas City metropolitan average.
Rich historic downtown district featuring local shops, dining, and well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Abundant outdoor recreation options along the Missouri River and local municipal parks.
Strong sense of community with a welcoming, patriotic environment for military families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Limited public transit options make owning a personal vehicle essentially mandatory for daily life.
Local property tax rates can be relatively high compared to some surrounding Kansas counties.
Winter weather brings freezing temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall requiring careful road maintenance.
Nightlife and entertainment options are somewhat modest, requiring trips into Kansas City for major events.
Retail and dining variety is more restricted compared to larger neighboring urban centers.
Kansas City
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing, groceries, and healthcare generally below national averages.
Strong job market with diverse opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Home to nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including The University of Kansas Hospital, consistently ranked as a top hospital.
Vibrant cultural scene, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue.
Relatively quick commute times compared to other major urban areas.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency.
Unpredictable weather with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and a risk of tornadoes.
Lower walkability score compared to more pedestrian-friendly cities.
Certain areas experience higher violent crime rates, which can be a concern for residents.
The city is landlocked, lacking easy access to beaches or mountains.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Leavenworth
#273Kansas, USA
61.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
267/yr
Avg Temp
56.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
Kansas City
#432Kansas, USA
56.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,231
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
32.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
75
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