City Comparison
Lenexa vs Kansas City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lenexa scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lenexa
Kansas City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Lenexa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lenexa's average rent is
54% higher than Kansas City's.
| Metric | Lenexa | Kansas City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,890 | $1,231 | +54% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $300 | $180 | +67% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,960 | $2,231 | +33% |
| Cost Index | 111 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kansas City offers 25% 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 Lenexa is estimated at
$65,000 vs $50,000 in Kansas City.
| Metric | Lenexa | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,657 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,844 idx | 87,640 idx |
| Household Income | $103,239 | $56,120 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lenexa runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lenexa comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lenexa sees 18 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lenexa | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 18.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| Humidity | % | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Lenexa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Kansas City.
Lenexa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lenexa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lenexa | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kansas City is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Lenexa.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lenexa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lenexa | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,384 | 155,438 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.60% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 37.2 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lenexa
Advantages
Low crime rates, with violent crimes significantly below the national average, contributing to a high safety score.
High livability score of 86 out of 100, attributed to excellent amenities, low crime, and convenient access to services.
Strong economy with a robust job market and a low unemployment rate, offering ample opportunities in various sectors.
Short average commute times, around 19.4 minutes, allowing residents more personal time.
High educational attainment, with nearly 97% of residents holding a high school diploma and nearly 57% a bachelor's degree or higher.
Drawbacks
Higher cost of housing compared to national and state averages, making homeownership a significant investment.
Car dependency is high, as public transit and walkability scores are moderate, indicating personal vehicles are the primary mode of transport.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan areas, which may be a drawback for some residents.
Weather can present challenges, with distinct seasons including warm, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall.
Traffic congestion can occur, although the Kansas City metro area is noted for being relatively less congested compared to other large metros.
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.
Lenexa
#312Kansas, USA
60.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,890
Avg Salary
$58,657
Cost Index
111
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
86
Business
68
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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