Kansas City vs St. Louis: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Kansas City is 3% more expensive than St. Louis. Kansas City is 69% safer. Kansas City has more comfortable months (7 vs 6). Kansas City population: 521,220. St. Louis population: 278,144.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Kansas City vs St. Louis
St. Louis is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 92 vs 95 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 3 index points.
| Category | Kansas City | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 95 | 92 |
| Housing | $1,869/moIndex: 105 | $1,691/moIndex: 95 |
| Groceries | $398/moIndex: 97 | $398/moIndex: 97 |
| Transportation | $350/moIndex: 100 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $216/moIndex: 98 | $216/moIndex: 98 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Kansas City vs St. Louis
Kansas City is 69% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 residents vs St. Louis's 77. Kansas City earns a C+ safety grade compared to St. Louis's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Kansas City
Missouri
St. Louis
Missouri
| Metric | Kansas City | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 23.8/1K | 77/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 403.1 | 1900.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1977.9 | 5800.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 26.2 |
| Assault Rate | 331.3 | 1314.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 96.0 | 351.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 263.9 | 739.0 |
| Theft Rate | 1390.3 | 4555.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 197.6 | 752.7 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Kansas City, you have a 1 in 42 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 13 in St. Louis.
Climate: Kansas City vs St. Louis
Kansas City Climate Overview
St. Louis Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 64.8°F | 66.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 45.7°F | 48.4°F |
| Annual Rain | 35.3" | 39.2" |
| Annual Snow | 17.5" | 16.1" |
| Comfortable Months | 7 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 3 | 3 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Kansas City is 5°F colder in winter than St. Louis. Kansas City gets significantly more snow (18" vs 16"). Kansas City has more comfortable weather months (7 vs 6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City cheaper than St. Louis?
Is Kansas City safer than St. Louis?
Which city has better weather, Kansas City or St. Louis?
Should I move to Kansas City or St. Louis?
How big is Kansas City compared to St. Louis?
Is housing cheaper in Kansas City or St. Louis?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities