Kansas City encompasses two cities sitting on the borders of Missouri (MO) and Kansas (KS), but both have distinct characteristics. They share many similarities from a vibrant culture, sports teams, food to the metropolitan lifestyle, but they also differ notably in crime rates, taxes, cost of living, and job opportunities. Whether you're a tourist, thinking about a vacation, or a potential resident contemplating relocation, understanding the differences between Kansas City, MO, and Kansas City, KS, will help you make an informed decision.
Distance between
Kansas City, MO and
Kansas City, KS : 6.8 miles
Kansas City's population is larger by 229%. Its population has grown by 66,849 people (15.1%) since 2000. The population of Kansas City has grown by 7,679 people (5.2%) during that time.
Kansas City, MO, experiences a higher crime rate compared to the national average and Kansas City, KS. Violent and property crime rates are quite high, which is concerning for both residents and tourists. Kansas City, KS, also presents crime, but its rates are lower, making it somewhat safer. Still, both cities are boosting their law enforcement efforts to tackle crime.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,820 registered sex offenders living in Kansas City and 573 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Kansas City is 264 to 1; the ratio in Kansas City is 269 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Kansas City is near to than in Kansas City.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Kansas City, KS, is slightly lower than Kansas City, MO. The difference is mainly due to differences in housing costs. Both cities, however, are more affordable compared to the national average, appealing to individuals and families considering relocation.
Income Tax
You'll save on income tax by residing in Kansas City, KS, as Kansas generally has lower income tax rates compared to Missouri.
Property Tax
Property taxes are also higher in Kansas City, MO, which is crucial to consider if you plan to buy a house there.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is significantly higher in Kansas City, MO, compared to Kansas City, KS, which may affect your cost of living or simply the cost of your vacation pursuits if you're a tourist.
Income
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Estimated median household income
$63,396
$53,884
Estimated per capita income
$36,456
$26,024
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.3
86.5
If you make $50,000 in Kansas City, you will have to make $50,462 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, both cities are located in the Heartland of America with similar landscapes and situated on the Missouri River. However, Kansas City, MO, is larger and has more green spaces and parks.
Kansas City, MO, is home to more higher education institutions, offering a better education scenario for potential students and families, compared to its Kansas counterparts. On the other side, Kansas City, KS, has a good K-12 school system which is a plus for families with younger kids.
While both cities have diverse economies, Kansas City, MO, generally offers more job opportunities. It is characterized by thriving sectors such as healthcare, trade, and transportation. In contrast, Kansas City, KS' economy is anchored in manufacturing, retail, and education.
Biggest Employers
Kansas City, MO, offers big employers like the Federal Government, Cerner Corporation, and Saint Luke's Health System. On the other hand, the top employers in Kansas City, KS, are the University of Kansas Hospital, General Motors, and the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.
In Kansas City (Jackson County), 58.9% voted for Democrats and 39.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Kansas City (Wyandotte County), 67.5% voted for Democrats and 30.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
2020
60.1%
64.8%
38.1%
33.3%
1.8%
1.9%
2016
55.5%
61.2%
38.1%
32.1%
6.4%
6.7%
2012
58.9%
67.5%
39.3%
30.5%
1.7%
2.1%
2008
62.1%
69.5%
36.8%
28.8%
1.1%
1.8%
2004
58.2%
65.7%
41.4%
33.7%
0.4%
0.6%
2000
59.0%
67.3%
38.4%
29.1%
2.5%
3.6%
1996
56.2%
62.9%
34.3%
28.2%
9.5%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
10.3%
15.8%
6.4%
3.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.5%
1.3%
13.7%
5.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.4%
0.6%
1.8%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.1%
1.7%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.8%
1.0%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.4%
0.4%
1.1%
0.7%
SALVATION ARMY
0.4%
0.3%
0.6%
0.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
2.2%
1.4%
6.0%
Weather
The weather in both cities is quite similar due to their geographical proximity. They experience a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers, and generally mild to cool winters. Residents and tourists alike should prepare for many sunny days but also some volatile weather events like thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes.
Weather and climate
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Temperature - Average
56.2°F
56°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
76.3%
76.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30.1%
30.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
36.3 in
36.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
38 in
38 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
20.1%
20.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
67.3%
67.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
25.9%
25.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
48%
Wind speed - Average
11.2 mph
11.2 mph
Average climate in Kansas City, Missouri
Average climate in Kansas City, Kansas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
Kansas City
2018
89
89
0.29
0.21
11.1
9.6
29.6
27.4
24.5
16.3
7.4
9.5
0.9
0.6
2017
88
88
0.29
0.19
11.6
9.2
30.4
27.2
26.7
16.6
10.0
9.5
1.4
0.6
2016
85
85
0.30
0.22
12.0
10.4
28.9
26.2
24.9
18.8
9.0
8.9
1.5
0.9
2015
90
90
0.30
0.28
12.9
10.9
28.9
25.9
33.6
33.6
8.3
10.8
4.6
1.5
2014
90
91
0.28
0.27
13.0
11.0
28.6
25.7
28.5
28.5
9.3
11.2
5.0
1.8
2013
88
88
0.41
0.43
13.2
11.5
29.3
27.0
30.8
30.8
10.3
11.6
5.6
1.9
2012
105
105
0.52
0.52
14.2
12.3
31.9
28.9
N/A
N/A
10.3
10.9
6.4
2.9
2011
108
108
0.45
0.45
15.0
13.1
29.9
22.6
N/A
N/A
10.9
12.5
4.8
3.7
2010
97
98
0.40
0.40
15.0
13.4
27.4
21.3
N/A
N/A
11.9
11.8
5.4
5.0
2009
96
96
0.29
0.29
14.8
12.2
28.3
24.4
N/A
N/A
9.6
10.4
6.1
4.7
2008
89
89
0.40
0.40
17.0
17.5
25.7
22.1
N/A
N/A
11.5
11.2
6.0
4.0
2007
104
105
0.42
0.42
18.4
13.4
29.1
23.7
N/A
N/A
13.1
13.3
4.2
4.2
2006
104
106
0.36
0.42
18.5
15.0
29.2
25.1
N/A
N/A
12.4
12.2
5.1
4.5
2005
105
105
0.55
0.49
18.3
17.5
28.4
23.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
3.6
2004
83
83
0.45
0.50
11.6
14.9
26.2
22.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.0
3.0
2003
99
100
0.41
0.46
10.9
17.0
28.0
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
3.2
2002
100
100
0.40
0.80
8.9
17.2
27.0
24.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
3.4
2001
88
88
0.52
0.56
7.9
18.3
27.0
24.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.7
2000
102
102
0.75
0.98
8.8
16.6
29.2
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.2
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
200.4%
204.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
598.9%
602.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
19%
Transportation
Kansas City, MO, has a more developed public transit system with free streetcar service in downtown, numerous bus services, and more extensive commuter options. In comparison, Kansas City, KS, offers decent public transportation but is more car-dependent.
Transport
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Bicycle
0.4%
0.3%
Bus
1.5%
0.9%
Carpooled
8.7%
9.9%
Car alone
86.8%
86.6%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.3%
1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Average
25.5 min
26.5 min
Other means
21.7 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
44.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.4%
87.8%
In 2 person carpool
8%
10.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more expensive in Kansas City, MO, compared to Kansas City, KS. Both cities offer various housing options that can suit different needs, tastes, and budgets, but the Missouri side is generally considered to be more 'upmarket.'
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer unique neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Kansas City, MO, is known for its downtown filled with art, culture, and fantastic food, whereas Kansas City, KS's west-side is culturally rich with a strong sense of community.
Houses and residents
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Houses
243,950
63,738
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.7
Median year apartment built
1975
1972
Median year house/condo built
1967
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
219,020 (89.8%)
57,819 (90.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
118,384 (54.1%)
34,631 (59.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
100,636 (45.9%)
23,188 (40.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$933.71
$601.35
Median monthly housing costs
$1,092
$946
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$71,644
$93,510
Estimated median house or condo value
$213,400
$140,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
6
Median house price - detached houses
$250,072
$169,868
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$212,485
$79,263
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$147,015
$121,520
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$274,597
$162,881
Median house price - mobile homes
$19,650
$33,190
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$485,967
$4,993
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$203,232
$225,238
Median house price - All housing units
$247,285
$169,154
Median house age
52
58
Renting percentage
43.8%
40.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
778
512.9
House value disparities
36%
37.5%
Household income disparities
43.9%
43.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,255
$79,646
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$64,961
$54,600
Housing units without a mortgage
1,566 (2%)
158 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
5,650 (7.2%)
1,678 (8.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
77,422 (98%)
19,087 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
403 (0.5%)
142 (0.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
6,848 (8.7%)
2,037 (10.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.8%
3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2.2%
3.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Kansas City
Kansas City
One, detached
60.7%
68.7%
One, attached
3.9%
9.8%
Two
3.1%
2.1%
3 or 4
4.4%
2.7%
5 to 9
5.8%
2.1%
10 to 19
6.2%
5.6%
20 to 49
5.8%
3.2%
50 or more
9.3%
3.6%
Mobile homes
0.6%
2.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,035
3,870
State government workers
6,835
2,467
Unpaid family workers
197
37
Industries and Occupations
Kansas City, MO's economy is strong in the healthcare, trade, and transportation sectors. Kansas City, KS focuses more on manufacturing, retail, and education sectors, indicating a difference in the primary industries and occupations.
Kansas City, MO, boasts more hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing a wider array of healthcare services. While Kansas City, KS, does have good healthcare services, Kansas City, MO, offers more comprehensive care options.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Kansas City, MO, boasts better infrastructure, benefiting from more investments leading to well-maintained roads, bridges, and public facilities. Kansas City, KS, also has decent infrastructure, but it pales compared to the Missouri side.
Infrastructure
Type
Kansas City
Kansas City
Hospitals
30
6
TV stations
14
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
140
37
Bank institutions located here
41
17
Main business address for public companies
27
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Kansas City
Kansas City
1999
1,565
711
2000
1,758
767
2001
1,494
689
2002
1,380
479
2003
1,975
538
2004
3,011
789
2005
3,470
934
2006
3,499
944
2007
2,228
503
2008
742
211
2009
447
127
Culture and Food
Both cities boast robust cultural scenes. They are well known for their jazz music and barbeque food, but Kansas City, MO, tends to carry more cultural and culinary weight due to its larger size and more diverse demographics.
Sports Teams
Kansas City, MO, is home to the professional sports teams - the Royals (MLB) and the Chiefs (NFL). Kansas City, KS, though smaller, hosts the Sporting Kansas City (MLS) team.
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, KS
