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Kansas City, Kansas

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

56
Overall Score

Kansas City, Kansas, often referred to as KCK, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a distinct character, forming part of the larger Kansas City metropolitan area. Situated at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, the city boasts a blend of Midwestern charm and urban amenities. People are drawn to KCK for its relatively affordable cost of living, diverse job opportunities, and strong sense of community. The city has a growing economy and is recognized for its contributions to various industries, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its unique position on the state line offers residents access to the broader metropolitan area's cultural and economic offerings while maintaining its own identity.

About Kansas

Kansas, known as the "Sunflower State," offers a blend of rural charm and urban development, characterized by friendly communities and a relaxed pace of life. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including agriculture (a leading producer of wheat, corn, and sorghum), aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Living in Kansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living approximately 10-15% lower than the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences four distinct seasons with warm to hot summers, mild to cold winters, and moderate humidity, though it is prone to severe weather like thunderstorms and tornadoes, especially in spring and early summer.

155,438
Population
$78K
Avg Salary
89
Cost Index
56.4
Quality Score
How this 56/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 60 / 100 60.0 30% 18.0
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 89.0 57.5 25% 14.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $56,120 Income needed to live here: $50,000 Unemployment rate: 4.5% 54.5 20% 10.9
Growth Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 0.5% 37.5 15% 5.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 56.4

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=75), last refreshed 4 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
68
Affordability
85
Growth
65

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Kansas City, Kansas, is notably more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for many. The city's cost of living index is 89, indicating it is 11% lower than the national average. This affordability is particularly evident in housing, groceries, and healthcare expenses, which generally remain below national benchmarks. For instance, the average rent for an apartment in KCK is $1,231 per month as of July 2026. While utilities, such as electricity, average around $196 per month in KCK, the overall lower costs across various categories allow residents to stretch their budgets further compared to larger U.S. metropolitan areas.

Average Rent
$1,231/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$30.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Kansas City, Kansas, is part of a dynamic metropolitan economy that offers a diverse range of job opportunities. Key industries driving the region's economy include healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, shared services and operational centers, financial services, and technology. The University of Kansas Health System is a major employer and a significant contributor to the healthcare sector. While the Kansas City metro area experienced a 1.7% growth in nonfarm jobs from August 2023 to August 2024, the region also saw some job losses in specific sectors between December 2024 and December 2025, indicating a mixed but generally resilient job market. The entrepreneurial climate is robust, with Kansas City being part of a national trend of increased business startups, and local organizations reporting significant growth in entrepreneur engagement.

The average salary in Kansas City is $78,000 per year. You would need approximately $50,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Healthcare +3.00% Technology +3.50% Financial Services +1.80% Manufacturing & Logistics +2.50% Shared Services & Operational Centers +2.00%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
68.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Kansas City, Kansas, largely relies on personal vehicles, as the city has limited public transportation options. The average commute time in the Kansas City metro area is approximately 22 minutes. While efforts are being made to improve transit and pedestrian infrastructure, the city's walkability score is relatively low, averaging 32, though some neighborhoods like Riverview, Armourdale, and Kensington are more pedestrian-friendly. This reliance on cars means that traffic congestion, while generally lower than in many larger urban areas, can still be a factor during peak hours.

22 min
Avg Commute
25.00/10
Transit Score
32.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

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.

Questions about Kansas City

What people ask about living in and moving to Kansas City, Kansas.

How does the cost of living in Kansas City, KS compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Kansas City, Kansas has a cost‑of‑living index of 89, meaning it is about 11 % cheaper than the U.S. average (which is set at 100). Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be lower, while salaries are roughly in line with national figures. With an average household salary of $78,000 per year, many residents find their purchasing power stronger than in higher‑cost metros. To get a pe...

How are the public schools rated in Kansas City, KS? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public education in Kansas City, Kansas is administered by the unified school district that serves the entire city and surrounding areas. Schools are evaluated by the state’s department of education, and most receive ratings that reflect average to above‑average performance on standardized tests. The district offers a range of programs, including early‑learning, special education, and extracurricular activities. For...

What are the main industries hiring in Kansas City, KS? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Kansas City, Kansas hosts a diversified job market anchored by logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city’s proximity to major interstates and a large freight hub makes logistics and distribution a strong sector, with many employers ranging from national carriers to regional warehouses. Manufacturing plants and food‑processing facilities also contribute significant employment. Healthcare and educat...

Is Kansas City, KS safe for families? Safety 1 answer

Kansas City, Kansas has a safety score of 60 out of 100, indicating moderate safety levels compared with other U.S. cities. Crime tends to be concentrated in specific neighborhoods, while many residential areas experience low rates of violent and property crime. The city’s police department publishes annual crime statistics and community safety reports, which can help you assess particular districts. You can also use...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Kansas City, KS? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Kansas City, Kansas is $1,231 per month. This figure reflects a range of unit sizes, but a one‑bedroom apartment in a central or well‑connected area will often be close to that average. Prices can vary by neighborhood, building age, and amenities, so you may find cheaper options farther from the downtown core or newer complexes with higher rates. To see current listings, check regional rental webs...

What public transportation options exist in Kansas City, KS? Getting Around 1 answer

Kansas City, Kansas is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes throughout the city and connects to neighboring municipalities. The system includes fixed‑route buses, express services for commuters, and paratransit options for those with mobility needs. Schedules and route maps are available on the transit authority’s website, and you can plan trips using their online trip planner tool. For lon...

Where can I find hospitals and clinics in Kansas City, KS? Healthcare 1 answer

The city contains several major hospitals, community health centers, and urgent‑care clinics that serve residents across the metropolitan area. The county health department’s website lists licensed facilities, their specialties, and locations. For primary care, you can search the state medical board’s provider directory, which lets you filter by insurance acceptance, language, and patient‑rating scores. Urgent‑care c...

What should I know about utility setup when moving to Kansas City, KS? Moving Here 1 answer

When you relocate to Kansas City, Kansas, you’ll need to establish service for electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and internet. The city’s utility providers are listed on the municipal website, which includes contact numbers and online sign‑up forms. Most companies require a short credit check and a deposit if you have no prior service history in the state. It’s advisable to schedule activation at least a week b...

How does the climate affect daily life in Kansas City, KS? General 1 answer

Kansas City, Kansas experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, often reaching the high 80s °F, while winters are cold with occasional snow and temperatures in the 20s °F. Spring and fall are mild but can bring severe thunderstorms, including the occasional tornado. Residents typically prepare by insulating homes, using programmable thermostats, and keeping an emerge...

What free or low‑cost activities are popular in Kansas City, KS? Things to Do 1 answer

Kansas City, Kansas offers a variety of affordable leisure options. The city maintains several public parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and seasonal festivals. Cultural institutions such as museums and historic sites often have free admission days or discounted family passes. The riverfront area provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and riverside concerts during the summer. Community calendars posted on...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Kansas City? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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