City vs city
Kansas City, MO vs Memphis, TN
- Rent is 5% lower in Memphis (median $1,181/mo vs $1,238/mo in Kansas City).
- Homes cost 44% less in Memphis ($169k vs $243k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $273 more a month after taxes and rent in Memphis.
- Memphis has no state income tax on wages; Kansas City does.
- Schools rate higher in Kansas City (1.6/10 vs 1.4/10).
- Kansas City has less violent crime (13.8 vs 18.5 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Memphis has milder winters (42°F vs 31°F average).
| Kansas City | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,238/mo | $1,181/mo |
| Median home value | $243k | $169k |
| Median household income | $69k | $52k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,679 | $3,952 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 1.6/10 | 1.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 3.8× the US rate | 5.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 90°F | 92°F |
| Winter average | 31°F | 42°F |
| Sunny days a year | 217 | 210 |
| Walk score | 34 | 36 |
| Population | 510,612 | 618,980 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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