Is it better to live in Kansas City Missouri or Kansas?

Kansas vs. Missouri: which one is better? This is a question many people ask themselves when deciding to move to the Midwest. This area of the country is affectionately known as “America’s Heartland,” referring to its role in the nation’s farming and manufacturing sectors, along with its patchwork of small towns interspersed with large commercial cities.

The decision on which state to move to isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t necessarily have to move there for work.

Middle America consists of more corn fields than major metropolises and more mom-and-pop shops than Fortune 500 companies; however, the 12 states that make up this region bring a rich culture, small-town ideals and community feel to the entire country.

Is it better to live in Kansas City Missouri or Kansas?

Twenty-one percent 21% of the nation’s population call this region home, according to 2017 Census numbers, but that number is expected to grow. Missouri and Kansas make up a pretty good chunk of the Midwest, with Missouri claiming the most of the two, with a population of 6.1 million people. Kansas is home to 2.9 million.

But even Missouri as a state can’t beat huge metropolises like New York City, which boasts a whopping 8.3 million in the boroughs alone. And Kansas is not much more populous than the entire city of Chicago. Yet the small town charms of these two states can’t be ignored.

Rankings

Many people seek out the Midwest for its low cost of living, rural areas, peaceful neighborhoods, open spaces and relaxed pace of life.

In terms of quality of life, a U.S. News and World Report report ranked Kansas and Missouri towards the top. Kansas ranked 16th overall, scoring high marks for community engagement and urban air quality, with pollution health risks and drinking water quality ranking worse than average. It also ranked 24th for social support.

Missouri ranked one spot higher, with its best ranking factors being social support, community engagement and pollution health risk. It ranked lower in industrial toxins, urban air quality, and drinking water quality.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in both states is comparable.

Missouri’s cost of living is 85.9, lower than the national average of 100. Housing remains the biggest factor in regards to the cost of living difference. The median home price here is $159,500, compared with $231,200 for the national average. The median household income is $53,560 and the average household income is $73,145.

Kansas’ cost of living is 83.1, lower than the national average of 100. The median home price here is lower than Missouri’s at $137,500, compared with $231,200 for the national average. The median household income is $57,422, and the average household income is $77,509.

Is it better to live in Kansas City Missouri or Kansas?

Kansas

Kansas has a rich history dating back centuries. Topeka has many historical sites, and the capital, Wichita, is steeped in aviation and learning. Lawrence and Manhattan are the two main college towns of the state and Olathe has scenic lakes for recreation. It’s known for its amazing barbecue food, friendly people, and sports.

Pros

  • Low population density
  • Low crime rates
  • Good for agriculture and food production
  • Cheap real estate in many cities
  • Scenic lakes and green spaces

Cons

  • Tornadoes occur frequently
  • Drought and extreme dryness during summer
  • Not many opportunities for socializing
  • Difficult to find employment

Missouri

The crossroads of the United States, Missouri has a wide variety of outdoor activities to partake it, it’s affordable to live here and the schools are good.

Pros

  • Excellent barbecue, i.e., St. Louis style ribs
  • Low cost of living
  • Plenty of recreational opportunities, such as theaters, museums, and national parks and monuments
  • Second-largest wine-producing state in the country
  • Significant beer heritage

Cons

  • Gang activity in some areas of the state
  • Generally low wages
  • Property crime and other types of crime are high in some cities
  • Weather is stifling
  • Ranks poorly in the areas of health care and inclusiveness

As you can see, there are many different factors and variables that go into choosing which Midwestern state to live in. For you…will it be the Sunflower State or the Show Me State?

Contact Moving Proz

We hope this post gives you some insight on which state to move to: Missouri or Kansas. When you’ve made your decision, call us to book your move. We have locations in Kansas City, Lawrence, Overland Park  or Denver for your convenience.

Is it better to live in Kansas City Missouri or Kansas?

Is it better to live in MO or KS?

In terms of quality of life, a U.S. News and World Report report ranked Kansas and Missouri towards the top. Kansas ranked 16th overall, scoring high marks for community engagement and urban air quality, with pollution health risks and drinking water quality ranking worse than average.

Are taxes better in Kansas or Missouri?

Kansas has an average income tax rate of 3.95 percent (33rd in the nation), and Missouri has an average income tax rate of 3.75 percent (35th). The actual rates vary in both states by income level (3 to 4.9 percent in Kansas and 1.5 to 6 percent in Missouri).

What is the difference between Kansas City KS and Kansas City MO?

Kansas City, Mo., was incorporated in 1853, eight years before Kansas became the 34th state. The Missouri city took its name from the Kansas River — which was inspired by the Kanza People, Native Americans of the Kaw Nation — and was originally called the City of Kansas. It became Kansas City in 1889.

Is Kansas City KS a good place to live?

This fast-growing Midwest metro is an excellent place to live for job opportunities, top-rated universities, pro sports events, incredible arts and culture, and—of course—some of the best barbecue in America.