Median Home
$220,000
Rent (1BR)
$1,050/mo
Cost of Living
90 / 100
Unemployment
3.3%
Sunny Days
215/yr
Walkability
Car-Dependent
What It's Really Like in Kansas City
BBQ capital of the world with a thriving arts scene, affordable living, and the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs. KC surprises newcomers with its culture, food, and genuine Midwestern warmth.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Kansas City based on your lifestyle and budget.
Crossroads
artsyKC's arts district with First Friday gallery walks, restaurants, and creative energy. The city's most walkable neighborhood.
Avg Rent
$1,300
Home Price
$300,000
Walkability
High
Westport
trendyKC's original entertainment district with a mix of historic charm and modern nightlife.
Avg Rent
$1,100
Home Price
$280,000
Walkability
High
Brookside
family-friendlyCharming shopping district with tree-lined streets and a strong neighborhood identity.
Avg Rent
$1,100
Home Price
$320,000
Walkability
Medium
Country Club Plaza
upscaleSpanish-inspired architecture with upscale shopping, dining, and fountains. KC's most iconic neighborhood.
Avg Rent
$1,500
Home Price
$400,000
Walkability
High
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
94
6% below avg
Housing
68
32% below avg
Transportation
96
4% below avg
Healthcare
94
6% below avg
Utilities
98
2% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Brookside — $1,100/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Westport — $1,100/mo rent
Most Affordable
- Westport — $1,100/mo rent
- Brookside — $1,100/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Crossroads — walkability: high
- Westport — walkability: high
- Country Club Plaza — walkability: high
Getting Around Kansas City
Walkability: Car-Dependent
Kansas City is primarily car-dependent. You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities including commuting, shopping, and entertainment.
Airport: MCI
Kansas City is served by MCI airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$55,052
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
State Income Tax
2-5.3%
Cost of Living Index
90
Top Industries
TechnologyHealthcareFinanceAgricultureManufacturing
Major Employers
Cerner CorporationHallmark CardsSprint/T-MobileChildren's Mercy HospitalH&R Block
Popular Routes to Kansas City
People are moving to Kansas City from these cities.
Kansas City, MOKansas City
510 miles7.5hr driveI-35 South
Kansas City, MOKansas City
600 miles9hr driveI-70 West
Kansas City, MOKansas City
720 miles10hr driveI-35 South
Kansas City, MOKansas City
550 miles8hr driveI-49 South
Kansas City, MOKansas City
800 miles12hr driveI-49 South
Kansas City, MOKansas City
1,422 miles25.9hr driveI-40 East
Kansas City, MOKansas City
1,761 miles32hr driveI-40 West
Kansas City, MOKansas City
536 miles9.7hr driveI-40 East
Kansas City, MOKansas City
841 miles15.3hr driveI-35 South
Moving from Kansas City to Other States
Route guides from Kansas City, MO to every US state.
Kansas City → CaliforniaKansas City → TexasKansas City → FloridaKansas City → New YorkKansas City → PennsylvaniaKansas City → IllinoisKansas City → OhioKansas City → GeorgiaKansas City → North CarolinaKansas City → MichiganKansas City → New JerseyKansas City → VirginiaKansas City → WashingtonKansas City → ArizonaKansas City → MassachusettsKansas City → TennesseeKansas City → IndianaKansas City → MarylandKansas City → WisconsinKansas City → ColoradoKansas City → MinnesotaKansas City → South CarolinaKansas City → AlabamaKansas City → LouisianaKansas City → KentuckyKansas City → OregonKansas City → OklahomaKansas City → ConnecticutKansas City → UtahKansas City → IowaKansas City → NevadaKansas City → ArkansasKansas City → MississippiKansas City → KansasKansas City → New MexicoKansas City → NebraskaKansas City → IdahoKansas City → West VirginiaKansas City → HawaiiKansas City → New HampshireKansas City → MaineKansas City → Rhode IslandKansas City → MontanaKansas City → DelawareKansas City → South DakotaKansas City → North DakotaKansas City → AlaskaKansas City → District of ColumbiaKansas City → VermontKansas City → Wyoming
Moving from Kansas City to Metro Areas
Route guides from Kansas City to major metropolitan areas.
Kansas City → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJKansas City → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CAKansas City → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INKansas City → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CAKansas City → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXKansas City → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVKansas City → Trenton-Princeton, NJKansas City → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTKansas City → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDKansas City → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLKansas City → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZKansas City → Vallejo, CAKansas City → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXKansas City → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WAKansas City → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDKansas City → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WAKansas City → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHKansas City → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COKansas City → Kenosha, WIKansas City → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Kansas City to Major Cities
Route guides from Kansas City to the largest US cities.
Kansas City → New York, NYKansas City → Los Angeles, CAKansas City → Chicago, ILKansas City → Houston, TXKansas City → Phoenix, AZKansas City → Philadelphia, PAKansas City → San Antonio, TXKansas City → San Diego, CAKansas City → Dallas, TXKansas City → Austin, TXKansas City → San Jose, CAKansas City → Jacksonville, FLKansas City → Fort Worth, TXKansas City → Columbus, OHKansas City → Charlotte, NCKansas City → Indianapolis, INKansas City → San Francisco, CAKansas City → Seattle, WAKansas City → Denver, COKansas City → Nashville, TNKansas City → Oklahoma City, OKKansas City → Washington, DCKansas City → El Paso, TXKansas City → Boston, MAKansas City → Portland, ORKansas City → Las Vegas, NVKansas City → Memphis, TNKansas City → Louisville, KYKansas City → Baltimore, MDKansas City → Milwaukee, WI
Your Kansas City Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home