71
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
77
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Kansas City wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Kansas City wins 0–3 overall (77/100)
💰 Kansas City is more affordable
💼 Kansas City has lower unemployment
🛡️ Kansas City has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Kansas City — The Verdict
Kansas City scores 77/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Kansas City has a clear edge with home prices 11% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Kansas City has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Kansas City are 11% lower — a difference of $26,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Kansas City saves you $104/month — that's $1,248 per year.
💵
Households in Kansas City earn $4,816 more per year (8% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 18 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Kansas City has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$208,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,131
Median Income
$60,440
$65,256
Kansas City edges out Houston on housing costs by 11%, a difference of $26,100. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.9%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
30 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 18 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
10
Kansas City has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Kansas City: Common Questions
Is Houston or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Kansas City is more affordable overall. Home prices are $26,100 lower in Kansas City. Monthly rent is $1,131 in Kansas City vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Kansas City have better weather?
Kansas City scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Kansas City better for finding a job?
Kansas City currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.9% in Kansas City. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $65,256 in Kansas City.
Which city is safer — Houston or Kansas City?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Kansas City is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Kansas City. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Kansas City.
Should I move from Houston to Kansas City?
Based on our data, Kansas City scores 77.0/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Kansas City is more affordable, while Kansas City has a better climate.
Planning to move from Houston to Kansas City?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.