State Comparison

Missouri vs Kansas

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

10
Missouri
MO
1 tied
of 16 metrics
5
Kansas
KS

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
MO: 89.8
KS: 86.3
KS

Housing

Median Home Price
MO: $235,000
KS: $215,000
KS
Median 2BR Rent
MO: $940/mo
KS: $960/mo
MO
Closing Costs
MO: 2.50%
KS: 2.60%
MO
Transfer Tax Rate
MO: 0.00%
KS: 0.00%
Tie

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
MO: 0.97%
KS: 1.41%
MO
Top Income Tax Rate
MO: 4.80%
KS: 5.70%
MO
Sales Tax Rate
MO: 4.22%
KS: 6.50%
MO
Capital Gains Tax Rate
MO: 4.80%
KS: 5.70%
MO

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
MO: $60,905
KS: $64,521
KS
Minimum Wage
MO: $13.75/hr
KS: $7.25/hr
MO
Max Unemployment Benefit
MO: $320/wk
KS: $488/wk
KS

Business

LLC Filing Fee
MO: $50
KS: $160
MO
LLC Annual Fee
MO: $0
KS: $55
MO

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
MO: $1,700/yr
KS: $1,610/yr
KS
Avg Home Insurance
MO: $2,200/yr
KS: $2,900/yr
MO

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Missouri leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $235,000 in Missouri vs $215,000 in Kansas — a $20,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Missouri has a 4.8% top income tax rate while Kansas has a 5.7% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.97% vs 1.41%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Missouri's index is 89.8 and Kansas's is 86.3 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Missouri or Kansas more affordable?

Kansas has a lower cost of living index (86.3) compared to Missouri (89.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Missouri or Kansas?

Overall, Missouri has a lower combined tax burden. Missouri has a 4.8% top income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.97% property tax. Kansas has a 5.7% top income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

What are housing costs in Missouri vs Kansas?

The median home price in Missouri is $235,000 compared to $215,000 in Kansas. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $940/month in Missouri vs $960/month in Kansas.

Which state is better for starting a business — Missouri or Kansas?

LLC filing costs are $50 in Missouri vs $160 in Kansas, with annual fees of $0 and $55 respectively. Missouri's 4.8% top tax rate compared to Kansas's 5.7% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Missouri to Kansas?

It depends on your priorities. Missouri wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Missouri and Kansas

When deciding between living in Missouri or Kansas, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Missouri (MO) has a median household income of $60,905 with a cost of living index of 89.8. Kansas (KS) has a median household income of $64,521 with a cost of living index of 86.3.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Missouri calculator or Kansas calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.