Deciding between Kansas City and St. Louis? While both offer a taste of classic Midwestern charm, they provide distinctly different living experiences. From historic architecture and world-class museums to iconic food scenes and passionate sports fans, both cities have a compelling case—read our guide to help decide which city is right for you!
When deciding between Kansas City and St. Louis, your lifestyle is key. Living in Kansas City includes famous barbecue, vibrant arts scene, and lively nightlife, which often attracts a younger demographic. But if a rich historical culture, more affordable living, and a well-developed transit system are priorities, then moving to St. Louis could be a better choice for you.
By checking out the cost of living in Kansas City vs. St. Louis, you can see which city might be better for your everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, healthcare, housing, and more. See how far your dollar goes in these popular Missouri cities.
Kansas City is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. and offers a dynamic real estate market with housing costs around 12% lower than the national average. In recent years, home values have appreciated significantly, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a long-term investment. If you’re on a budget, you can find safe and affordable neighborhoods in Kansas City like Waldo and Mission Lake. On top of that, groceries are approximately 3% less expensive than the national average, and healthcare costs are significantly lower at 16%. However, it’s worth noting that utility costs can be slightly higher, running about 9% above the national average, largely due to seasonal temperature fluctuations.
The median home price in St. Louis is around 22% lower than the national average, making the city an ideal entry point for first-time homebuyers. For those seeking budget-friendly St. Louis neighborhoods, consider areas like Lindenwood Park and Princeton Heights, which offer affordable housing options without compromising safety. And housing costs aren’t the only place you’ll find savings—goods and services in St. Louis cost around 8% less than the national average, and healthcare costs are roughly 11% lower. Despite the Midwestern seasons, utilities are only 2% higher.
Q: Is St. Louis or Kansas City, MO, more affordable?A: The cost of living in St. Louis is slightly more affordable than in Kansas City, making it a great place to settle down in the Midwest. However, Kansas City’s vibrant culture, booming tech sector, and competitive housing market can justify the higher cost of living for many residents looking to make an investment.
Kansas City and St. Louis both have strong economies, but they specialize in different areas. The different economic landscapes of the two cities mean that students and professionals may find one city a better fit than the other.
Kansas City’s higher education landscape is a mix of dynamic public institutions and specialized private colleges, all of which offer programs that are often seen as a reflection of its growing tech and arts industries. KC’s major colleges include the Kansas City Art Institute, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Kansas City University (KCU), Rockhurst University, and Metropolitan Community College—and they offer a strong pipeline to employment in Kansas City’s major industries, which include healthcare, manufacturing, and distribution. As a significant hub for tech startups like Scout, Trially, and Icorium Engineering, the KC metro’s job growth rate is steady and welcomes new professionals to the workforce. Companies like Garmin and Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC)—which is operated by Honeywell—have a significant presence, and the city’s central location makes it a hub for logistics and transportation. Events like the Kansas City Invention Convention, which fosters innovation among young inventors, highlight the region’s growing reputation as a center for creativity and entrepreneurship.
St. Louis is an excellent choice for students who want to be part of a well-established academic community with a strong focus on research, healthcare, and private institutions. The city’s extensive network of hospitals and corporations also provides ample opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment. With schools including Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), Saint Louis University (SLU), the public University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), St. Louis Community College (STLCC), and Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis is a powerhouse in industries like healthcare, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. Major corporations such as Express Scripts and Centene Corporation are headquartered here, and the city is a growing center for life sciences research. St. Louis is also one of the best cities for remote work, due to its combination of affordability, a robust network of coworking spaces, and a central location that makes travel easy. Residents looking for St. Louis jobs can find opportunities with major employers like Ascension Health, BJC Healthcare, and Emerson Electric Co.
Q: What are unemployment rates like in KC and St. Louis?A: Both cities have an unemployment rate under the national average, with Kansas City at 3.4% and St. Louis at 3.9%. Because of Kansas City’s rapid growth in the tech sector and St. Louis’ diversified opportunities, desirable jobs are available in both cities.
While both cities offer green solutions to serve the populous, they approach sustainable public transit with distinct priorities and infrastructure. Find out how they differ and the best ways to navigate each city below.
Kansas City is overall more car-dependent, though it does have green programs and public transportation options as part of its efforts toward becoming more eco-friendly. Along with other sustainable plans invested, the city offers public transit options—including local and express routes for bus-based RideKC, strategically located MAX Bus Rapid Transit lines, and the popular and free KC Streetcar (which operates a two-mile route through the downtown core, connecting popular destinations such as Union Station, the Power & Light District, and the River Market).
As a city striving to preserve its historical buildings, St. Louis’ sustainability plan includes the creation of transit-oriented development within a half mile of a MetroLink light rail station, a two-line system that connects major areas—including Downtown St. Louis, Forest Park, and Lambert International Airport—and even extends into Illinois. MetroLink’s high-speed service and dedicated tracks away from other traffic make it a reliable and efficient way to get around. St. Louis’ extensive MetroBus network complements the light rail, providing coverage to a wider area.
Q: Do I need a car to live in Kansas City or St. Louis?A: No, you don’t necessarily need a car to live in either Kansas City or St. Louis, but it’s highly beneficial—especially in Kansas City, due to its size and spread-out nature. St. Louis offers more robust transportation options with their light rail and bus systems, while Kansas City has buses and eBikes.
Both of these Midwestern cities offer robust outdoor recreation options. Kansas City provides extensive access to amenity-focused urban parks and a significant network of paved multi-use trails, while St. Louis integrates art and culture into its urban green spaces and provides convenient access to diverse regional wilderness areas just outside the city center.
Kansas City offers a diverse and accessible array of outdoor recreation opportunities centered around its many green spaces. Go boating on Lake of the Woods, hit the Swope Memorial Golf Course, or take advantage of the off-leash dog park at Swope Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Picnic by the pond, play a game of tennis, and stroll through the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden at Loose Park. Walk, jog, or rent a RideKC bike to explore the city’s extensive paved trail systems, including Riverfront Heritage Trail and Line Creek Trail. Make sandcastles, swim, and tan at Longview Lake Beach. Hike the 4.5 miles of easy trails, watch your kids on the playground, or explore the cave at Cave Spring Park. Or get out and get active at KC’s numerous neighborhood athletic fields and courts.
St. Louis offers a rich blend of urban and natural outdoor destinations, starting with the city’s modern green spaces. Walk through the sculpture garden at Citygarden, where art and public space merge. Take an art class like Mud & Merlot, view the various sculptures and art pieces, or hike the trails at Laumeier Sculpture Park, which features over 70 works across 105 acres. Check out the stunning collection of plant life and attractions like the Climatron and Sachs Museum at the world-renowned Missouri Botanical Garden. Bottle-feed a goat, enjoy an Oktoberfest celebration and other events, or ride the carousel at Grant’s Farm. Catch a glimpse of the natural wildlife, including bison and elk, at Lone Elk Park. Take a trip about 30 minutes from Downtown St. Louis to see the rugged beauty of Castlewood State Park, or about 40 minutes for the protected wilderness of Rockwoods Reservation.
Q: Does St. Louis or Kansas City offer more outdoor activities?A: Both cities offer a range of outdoor activities. Kansas City has a greater focus on readily accessible, organized, and traditional park activities, like tennis courts, parks, and beaches. St. Louis offers a unique combination of artistic green spaces, as well as access to regional state parks and wildlife refuges.
When it comes to sports, St. Louis and Kansas City both have deep-seated and passionate fan bases, but their fandoms have distinct identities. St. Louis is a city built on baseball and hockey, while Kansas City is decidedly a football town.
The Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) fandom is known for its intense energy and loud support. Arrowhead Stadium has previously held the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at an outdoor sports stadium. “Chiefs Kingdom” is famous for its pre-game tailgating rituals and passionate presence, both at home and on the road. Looking for more sports? Support KC’s other sports teams:
Known as “Cardinal Nation,” St. Louis has a history rooted in its love affair with the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB). The team’s supporters are considered some of the best in baseball, consistently packing Busch Stadium with a sea of red and traveling for away games. However, St. Louis has plenty of other sports to enjoy, too, including:
Q: Does Kansas City or St. Louis have more major professional sports teams?A: Kansas City has more major pro sports teams, with four to St. Louis’ three. Kansas City is home to the Chiefs (NFL), Royals (MLB), Sporting KC (MLS), and the Current (NWSL), while St. Louis has the Cardinals (MLB), Blues (NHL), and City SC (MLS).
Both Kansas City and St. Louis offer unique, compelling urban experiences. From the famous smoky flavors of Kansas City’s barbecue and its legendary jazz history to the unique culinary staples and deep historic roots of St. Louis, they promise an experience fueled by local pride, artistic vibrancy, and truly one-of-a-kind traditions.
Kansas City is widely celebrated for its vibrant arts scene. Discover new favorite pieces and exhibitions like Sage and Heroes: Storytelling in Asian Art and Monet’s Garden and the Secret Language of Flowers at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. KC also has a legacy of jazz starting in the 1920s and continuing strong today. Visit venues like The Phoenix, Blue Room, and Green Lady Lounge to hear the distinct sounds of Kansas City jazz. Kansas City is also renowned for its distinctive and beloved barbecue scene. From smoky burnt ends to tangy sauces, barbecue isn’t just food in Kansas City—it’s a cultural institution and a point of immense civic pride. Visit the iconic Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que to taste what has set the taste buds of locals, KC alumnus Paul Rudd, and Anthony Bourdain aflutter for decades. This unique blend of artistic expression, historic rhythms, and iconic flavors define the Kansas City experience.
St. Louis offers a colorful mix of its history and creative roots. STL boasts 18 local historic districts, showcasing beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture in neighborhoods like Lafayette Square and Soulard. The city also shares a powerful connection to the blues, having been a vital stop of the Great Migration and giving birth to its own distinct sound. Check out a show at blues venues in St. Louis like Hammerstone’s, Tin Roof, and Broadway Oyster Bar. St. Louis also offers its own unique food scene, with local specialties that are a source of pride—including toasted ravioli, the distinctly square slices of St. Louis-style pizza, and the essential dessert: ooey-gooey butter cake. St. Louis also lays culinary claim to the first ice cream cone, made at the 1904 World’s Fair.
Q: Does St. Louis or Kansas City have a better food scene?A: Both St. Louis and Kansas City have incredibly rich and distinct food scenes, making the choice a matter of preference for what you’re craving. Kansas City is great for barbecued meats, while St. Louis offers more Italian-leaning dishes like St. Louis-style pizza and toasted ravioli.
Both Kansas City and St. Louis can be great places to raise a family in Missouri! To help you decide which city might be a better fit for you, we’ll compare them on factors such as available schools, family-friendly activities, and more.
Kansas City is an excellent place to raise a family, offering a wide range of activities, quality schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Parents can enroll their children in top-rated Kansas City high schools like Lincoln College Prep and well-rated elementary schools like Maplewood Elementary. For family fun, the city offers a variety of options. Check out hands-on exhibits at Science City and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. See lions and monkeys up close during the day or sleep in the glow of fish and marine creatures during Aquarium Overnight at the Kansas City Zoo. Feed sharks, interact with the touch pool, and explore the Doodle Reef at Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium. Or enjoy the thrills of riding roller coasters like the Cosmic Coaster and the MAMBA at Worlds of Fun.
St. Louis offers a vibrant environment for families, featuring numerous high-quality schools like Ladue Horton Watkins High School and Conway Elementary School, plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods, and a wealth of attractions—many of which are free. The city’s crown jewel is Forest Park, which hosts several world-renowned attractions. Within the park, you can visit the Saint Louis Zoo (which is home to over 12,000 animals and seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo), the Saint Louis Art Museum (known for its Free Fridays), and the Missouri History Museum (which features exhibits like The Life of Kids’ Clothes and History Clubhouse). Beyond Forest Park, explore the City Museum, an interactive playground filled with attractions like the Labyrinth, Pinball Hall, and Art City. See iconic St. Louis spots like the Gateway Arch and its museum, the recently renovated St. Louis Union Station with its aquarium and Ferris wheel, and the hands-on exhibits at the Magic House Children’s Museum.
Q: Is St. Louis more family-friendly than Kansas City?A: Both Kansas City and St. Louis are family-friendly cities with great neighborhoods and schools, but they have different strengths. St. Louis has a number of free family attractions, including the world-class Saint Louis Zoo and several museums located in Forest Park. Kansas City’s appeal lies mainly in its centralized attractions around Union Station, like Science City and LEGOLAND.
Kansas City and St. Louis are two of the best cities for young professionals in Missouri, both offering vibrant social scenes to meet new people and form connections. Learn more about what each city has to offer for singles and young professionals below.
With a booming job market, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship, Kansas City appeals to young professionals seeking a city with an optimistic, forward-looking energy. The city’s strong social scene, live music, and world-famous barbecue also add to its appeal. Activity often centers around the city’s revitalized downtown districts, many of which are also the best neighborhoods for young professionals in KC—providing affordable housing, community, and access to the city’s cultural scene. Admire work by local artists, grab a drink, and catch live music in the Crossroads Arts District. Challenge your friends to a game of pickleball at Chicken N’ Pickle. Or explore Kansas City’s booming craft beer scene—rivaling those in Chicago and Portland—at the best Kansas City breweries, including Torn Label, Alma Mader Brewing, and BKS Artisan Ales.
St. Louis has a well-established urban identity rooted in its historical neighborhoods, each with a unique sense of character and community. Many of these areas are perfect neighborhoods for young professionals, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern energy. Singles and young professionals in St. Louis often gravitate toward vibrant districts like The Grove, Soulard, and the Central West End—renowned for their nightlife, festivals, and strong support for local businesses. Catch a drag show, drink craft cocktails at trivia night, or sing karaoke at The Crack Fox. Raise your glass a little higher, almost 400 feet above St. Louis, at 360 Rooftop Bar. Or sip frozen cocktails like the Strawberry Peach Bellini, Banana Dave, or seasonal beverages at Narwhal’s Crafted.
Q: Does Kansas City have more nightlife than St. Louis?A: Neither city has definitively “more” nightlife—they just offer different experiences. St. Louis has a more decentralized nightlife with diverse, walkable neighborhoods like The Grove and Soulard—both of which offer a unique atmosphere. Kansas City’s nightlife is more centralized around the high-energy Power & Light District and the artsy Crossroads, making it easy to hit multiple spots in one area.
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Moving to Kansas City or St. Louis? Extra Space Storage has several storage facilities in St. Louis and Kansas City to help ease your transition. Find a Missouri storage unit near you!
The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
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