Kansas City vs St. Louis: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More
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Considering a move to an apartment in Kansas City or a house in St. Louis, MO? These two Missouri cities share a Midwestern charm and rich cultural heritage, but each offers a unique living experience. Kansas City is known for its thriving arts scene and world-class barbecue, while St. Louis offers historic neighborhoods and vibrant sports culture. Whether you’re drawn to Kansas City’s jazz history or St. Louis’s iconic Gateway Arch, choosing the right city is a big decision.
From housing affordability to lifestyle and job opportunities, this Redfin article will highlight the key differences to help you determine which city suits you best.
Housing in Kansas City vs St. Louis
Kansas City and St. Louis provide affordable housing markets with distinct styles, catering to Midwestern charm and urban living.
Housing in Kansas City
Kansas City’s housing market features spacious homes and a balance of urban and suburban options. Popular Kansas City neighborhoods like Brookside and Overland Park offer a range of choices for people new to the city.
St. Louis offers a mix of historic homes and modern developments, with St. Louis neighborhoods like Central West End providing charm and convenience. The city’s housing market remains affordable for buyers and renters alike.
Average rental cost: Around $1,346 per month, making it a budget-friendly option.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home? Explore your options.
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
Deciding between renting or buying your next home?
Compare the costs of renting vs buying and find a lender to secure your mortgage.
Cost of living in Kansas City vs St. Louis
The overall cost of living in Kansas City is about 3% higher than in St. Louis, with key differences in utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs shaping the financial dynamics of each city.
1. Utilities
Utilities in Kansas City are approximately 8% more expensive than in St. Louis. The larger homes in Kansas City, combined with seasonal temperature swings, lead to higher energy usage. In contrast, St. Louis benefits from a more stable climate and infrastructure that helps keep utility expenses lower.
2. Groceries
Groceries in Kansas City are about 1% less expensive than in St. Louis. While Kansas City’s demand for imported goods slightly raises food prices, the difference is marginal. St. Louis’s proximity to agricultural areas helps maintain lower grocery costs overall.
3. Transportation
Transportation costs are roughly 4% lower in Kansas City compared to St. Louis. Kansas City’s sprawling layout and reliance on car travel provide lower commuting costs overall, while St. Louis’s compact design, though efficient, includes public transit options that can slightly increase transportation costs.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare in Kansas City is approximately 4% less expensive than in St. Louis. Kansas City offers more competitive healthcare pricing due to lower demand, while St. Louis’s larger population and higher need for specialized medical services drive costs up.
5. Lifestyle
Lifestyle expenses in Kansas City are about 1% lower than in St. Louis. Kansas City’s vibrant dining and cultural scene adds to its appeal, but these costs are slightly offset by its more affordable activities. St. Louis, while offering similar cultural amenities, provides these experiences at a marginally lower price point.
Kansas City vs St. Louis in size and population
Kansas City and St. Louis, two iconic Missouri cities, offer unique takes on urban living. Kansas City covers around 319 square miles with a population of approximately 508,000, offering a spacious and laid-back atmosphere. St. Louis, in comparison, spans 66 square miles but supports a population of nearly 302,000, creating a denser and more compact urban environment. Kansas City’s larger area provides room for suburban-style neighborhoods and parks, while St. Louis’s compact size emphasizes its historic architecture and urban charm.
Kansas City vs St. Louis weather and climate
Kansas City’s climate and St. Louis’ climate both experience a mix of humid continental and subtropical climates, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Kansas City tends to face more extreme temperature swings due to its location on the Great Plains, while St. Louis experiences slightly more consistent weather patterns. Both cities are prone to severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the spring and summer, but Kansas City’s position further west makes it more susceptible to sudden weather changes.
Kansas City vs St. Louis job market
Kansas City: Agriculture and finance hub
Kansas City’s economy is driven by agriculture, finance, and manufacturing, with companies like H&R Block and Garmin leading the way. The city is also known for its thriving logistics sector, with its central U.S. location supporting supply chain opportunities. Kansas City’s median household income is approximately $65,000, with an average hourly wage of $29.63, offering a strong balance of earnings and affordability.
St. Louis: Healthcare and biotech leader
St. Louis’s job market is anchored by healthcare, biotech, and education, with major employers like BJC Healthcare and Washington University leading growth. The city’s location near major rivers supports its logistics sector, while a growing startup scene boosts its economy. St. Louis has a median household income of around $56,000, with an average hourly wage of $29.76, reflecting its steady opportunities across industries.
Kansas City vs St. Louis transportation
Kansas City: Car-friendly with limited public transit
Kansas City is a car-dominated city, with the KC Streetcar offering free rides in Downtown and additional transit provided by RideKC buses. Walking and biking are improving but remain limited outside the city center.
St. Louis offers a more balanced transportation system, with MetroLink light rail and MetroBus providing public transit options. The city is moderately walkable in neighborhoods like Downtown and Central West End.
Kansas City and St. Louis are central to the Midwest, offering strong connectivity for regional and national travel.
Kansas City: Kansas City International Airport, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route, Greyhound and Megabus buses, and access to the Missouri River for commerce.
St. Louis: St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner and national routes, Greyhound and Megabus services, and the Mississippi River for travel and trade.
Kansas City vs St. Louis lifestyle and things to do
A day in the life of a Kansas Citian
Kansas City’s charm lies in its blend of culture, food, and history. Start your day with a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, followed by a barbecue lunch at one of the city’s iconic spots. Afternoons might involve exploring the Country Club Plaza or taking a walk along the River Market. Evenings are perfect for catching a jazz performance or attending a Chiefs (NFL) game.
St. Louis offers a rich mix of history and culture. Begin your day with a visit to the Gateway Arch before exploring Forest Park, home to several museums and a zoo. Afternoons might involve sampling local fare, such as toasted ravioli or gooey butter cake. Evenings are perfect for watching a Cardinals (MLB) game or attending a concert at the Enterprise Center.
Kansas City is synonymous with barbecue, offering a distinct style that includes slow-smoked meats and tangy, sweet sauces. Iconic spots like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que attract food enthusiasts from across the country. The city’s jazz history is celebrated in venues like the American Jazz Museum and historic 18th & Vine District. Kansas City also boasts a arts scene, with institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and an array of local festivals, including the Plaza Art Fair and Boulevardia.
St. Louis: Toasted ravioli and iconic landmarks
St. Louis’s food scene is equally distinctive, featuring local favorites like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and St. Louis-style pizza. The city’s cultural contributions include its historic role in the blues and its architectural marvels, such as the Gateway Arch. Institutions like the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra showcase the city’s cultural depth. Events like the LouFest Music Festival and Taste of St. Louis bring the community together to celebrate food, music, and art.
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Kansas City vs St. Louis sports scene
Kansas City: Football and baseball pride
Kansas City is a powerhouse for football and baseball, with the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) dominating at Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas City Royals (MLB) playing at Kauffman Stadium. Sporting KC (MLS) adds a dynamic soccer presence, making the city a diverse sports hub. Fans are known for their unwavering support and game-day traditions.
St. Louis: Baseball and hockey legacy
St. Louis boasts a rich sports legacy with the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) and St. Louis Blues (NHL) as central figures. Busch Stadium and Enterprise Center serve as iconic venues for fans to gather. St. Louis CITY SC, the city’s new MLS team, reflects the growing soccer interest, while the city’s history as a former NFL market remains a point of pride for local sports enthusiasts.
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