Kansas City - a city so nice they located it twice... One in Kansas and one in Missouri - plus Kansas also has a Manhattan - they've got the geography nuance bases covered better than the Royals. In reality, KC it's just a surprisingly hip city that overlaps a state border, and depending on which side, nicknamed KCK or KCMO.
Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri river, the KCMO side has about 2,000,000 people, and the KCK slice has about 150,000
Kansas City - a city so nice they located it twice... One in Kansas and one in Missouri - plus Kansas also has a Manhattan - they've got the geography nuance bases covered better than the Royals. In reality, KC it's just a surprisingly hip city that overlaps a state border, and depending on which side, nicknamed KCK or KCMO.
Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri river, the KCMO side has about 2,000,000 people, and the KCK slice has about 150,000. Kansas City has an impressive yet curiously lesser known pedigree. Jazz behemoth Charlie Parker hailed from KCK. KCMO is tied with Boston for the most medical schools, and second only to Rome, Italy in number of fountains (210).
Thirteen Fortune 1000 companies are in the greater KC area. Known as the BBQ capital of the world, one will also find the National World War I Memorial, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, internationally recognized art museums, and the nation's cleanest tap water. If that's not enough, get this... Walt Disney studied in Kansas City and founded his first studio there. A little mouse dwelled upon its grounds. Walt liked this mouse and gave him food tidbits and attention. This animal, as legend has it, was the inspiration for Mickey Mouse.
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
On average, expect to pay around $1,072 per month for a studio apartment in Kansas City.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Kansas City is approximately $1,209 per month.
In Kansas City, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $1,520 per month.
A 3-bedroom apartment in Kansas City will cost, on average, $1,803 per month.
Kansas City is not known for having a great public transportation system. There was talk, but it was scrapped for a few more BBQ joints (not really, but nobody in KC would complain). Parking and traffic is not especially challenging, and KC gets only a so-so walking score, so keep your car - how else are you going to correctly tailgate at Chiefs games?
Car: This is the most popular choice, especially for those living in suburbs or outside the core areas. Traffic can be congested during peak hours, but overall it offers flexibility.
Bus: Kansas City has a well-developed bus system operated by RideKC. It covers a wide area with multiple routes, including the MAX bus rapid transit for faster commutes on major corridors. Fares are affordable, and you can buy tickets through their app.
Streetcar: The Kansas City Streetcar runs through the downtown area, connecting popular neighborhoods and attractions. It's a convenient and scenic option for shorter trips within the core.
Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Kansas City, offering another on-demand option for getting around.
Biking: Kansas City B-cycle is a public bike-sharing program with stations throughout the city. It's a good choice for short trips, errands, or exploring in nice weather.
KC is mildly pet-friendly, but from a Parisian hotel. Lots of "no pet" policies relatively speaking, but they’re not pervasive. As is the usual message, check first, never try to hide your buddy - you'll both be out on your KCsters and the furry ones can handle the cold a lot better than you.
Still have questions about renting in Kansas City? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people who are moving to the city for the first time:
As of April 2024, the median rate for a one-bedroom apartment in Kansas City was $1,111. Overall, the city ranked 92nd out of the top 100 most expensive cities in the country. We estimate you would need to earn a little over $40,000 to afford a one-bedroom at that rate.
Using a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to live comfortably, then in Kansas City, you would need to earn around $40,000 a year to afford a one-bedroom at the current median rate of $1,111 or a bit over $50,000 a year for a two-bedroom at $1,311.
Most of the popular neighborhoods are on the MO side as noted below. That's just the way things go when the MO side is 14 times more populous. It's not a sign of disrespect to Toto or The Jayhawks.
Downtown KCMO is like a series of cities within a city: The Library District (home to the very Washingtonian KCMO Central Library and the stellar and historic Mainstreet [formerly Empire] theatre), The Garment District (second in size and nostalgia only to NYC) now home to chic and sought after loft housing AND the birthplace of KC BBQ, and Crown Center (headquarters of Hallmark and an accompanying mixed use zone of all things happy in residential, restaurant, and retail). Right next door to Crown Center you’ll find - all things unhappy - a 6,000 employee IRS megacenter. All these downtown KC zones are upscale and busy with city dwellers' favorite options. They’re all within a couple mile radius so they’re considered together. 1 BR from $725 - $1,125 (artist style loft).
This is a subdivision within Downtown KCMO absolutely worth mentioning. While it has a little theoretical overlap with other named KCMO neighborhoods, Power & Light is rather special even unto itself. Using 9 square blocks, the Power and Light District is named for the art deco building therein. That is where the cozy history stops. Now the district is a raging entertainment zone with The Sprint Center, bars, restaurants, and live music venues - a standing outdoor concert plaza being one of those. This place is wild. You need to show I.D. to get onto the streets - not to check age but to collect "demographic information" (this goes for the one block concert area at least, called Kansas City Live!) and there's a dress code (all of P & L). Sounds a little too strict and buttoned up? Try this – there are no open container or specific public intoxication laws. Yup, that's no fictional embellishment, it's as true as "it ain't barbecue without sauce." This is otherwise known as crazy heaven for the no work-boot wearing, drivers license toting, music and food loving individual for whom money may be an object, but Jaeger Bomb consumption is not. Priced more or less like Downtown as it, more or less, is downtown.
Officially Country Club Plaza, The Plaza is south of downtown and is an upscale, low-rise, residential area and shopping district right near KCK (props for KCK, it's not all about KCMO). From a shopper's point of view, The Plaza has a number of firsts, like the claim that it's the country's original shopping center. Of course there are others who lay claim to the title. Not sure why... it's kind of like saying you own the world's largest microchip - it's not that awesome. Either way, The Plaza area is quite a spectacle. Notably influenced by the architecture and layout of Seville, Spain, with all sorts of themed fountains, structures, statues, and mosaics. Country Club Plaza is host to one of the country's most sweeping and beloved holiday lighting displays. 1 BR $700 - $1,000. 2 BR $850 - $1,150.
Yet another, but smaller, KC entertainment district (who knew Kansas Citians partied like this after the fervor of the Royals' 1985 World Series died down?), with quite a recognized music scene. Westport is North of The Plaza and South of downtown, Westport provides an interesting historical point of view as an outfitting starting point of the Santa Fe trail and the site of a seminal Civil War battle - The Battle of Westport. University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) with its 15,000 students is nearby, thus making Westport a bit collegial. 1 BR from $550 and cresting at around $1,000 for loft in modern building. Add $200 - $350 for 2nd BR.
A fully KCK neighborhood! A quieter, more family oriented suburb (although Piper does have the Kansas Speedway) has the trappings of a suburb in the city - trees, walking, cycling, hiking, and more interaction with nature. When you wish more interaction with things man-made, there's always the enormous 110-store Legends at Village West Mall. 1BR $550 - $750. 2 BR $700 - $950.
The representation of ethnic minorities in Kansas City is higher than the national average. The eight main ethnic groups that make up the population of Kansas City are White (56.5%), Black Or African American (24.5%), Hispanic Or Latino (11.1%), Two Or More (4.4%), Asian (2.6%), Other (0.6%), Native Hawaiian Or Other Pacific Islander (0.2%), and American Indian Or Alaska Native (0.1%).
The representation of ethnic minorities in Kansas City is higher than the national average. The eight main ethnic groups that make up the population of Kansas City are White (56.5%), Black Or African American (24.5%), Hispanic Or Latino (11.1%), Two Or More (4.4%), Asian (2.6%), Other (0.6%), Native Hawaiian Or Other Pacific Islander (0.2%), and American Indian Or Alaska Native (0.1%).
Apartment List has released the results for Kansas City from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters nationwide, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the country’s 111 million renters.
These Kansas City neighborhoods are insanely popular right now! Renters are hunting down properties in these places.
Kansas City — split between Kansas (KCK) and Missouri (KCMO) — is unique for its mix of Midwestern charm, rich culture, and urban experiences. The larger Missouri side of Kansas City is home to iconic districts like the Crossroads Arts District and the Country Club Plaza. You can explore top attractions such as The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the American Jazz Museum, or stroll around and take in the city’s famous fountains.
On the Kansas side, residential neighborhoods like Strawberry Hill offer a cozy, community-focused vibe. Living here provides easy access to KCMO’s bustling downtown while maintaining a quieter, suburban feel. Thanks to its cross-border layout, you’ll enjoy KC’s urban amenities and more relaxed areas simultaneously.
If you're moving to Missouri, look for apartments in Kansas City areas like Brookside and downtown's Minnesota Avenue. This cross-border location is ideal because it provides access to city amenities and nightlife while allowing for a more relaxed, rural lifestyle — the best of both worlds. There's always something happening — see a soccer match at Children's Mercy Park on the Missouri side or a NASCAR Kansas Speedway race on the Kansas side. Then head out to one of KC’s best museums or music venues.
On the Missouri side, the median rent is approximately $1,305. Here’s what you can expect to pay for KC apartments based on size:
A bit less pricey, the Kansas side’s median rent is $1,123, with this breakdown for unit size:
To find a KC apartment for rent, you can count on Apartment List. Our platform offers a curated experience powered by AI. We tailor your search to listings within your budget across the Kansas City Metro, including lofts and city units. For example, you can search for Kansas City rentals near Rockhurst University, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), or a RideKC transit line. Filter by amenities like parking availability and balcony access, or search by neighborhoods like the Garment District.
Simply download the app from Google Play or the App Store and kickstart your search. We make the process easy with the following key features:
Expedite your search with Apartment List to quickly find a home you love. With just a few swipes, you can soon consider yourself a true Kansas Citian.
Kansas City is a welcoming place to call home. Whether you prefer a quiet, family-friendly area or a lively, culture-rich district, this cross-border location offers a range of homes and lifestyles, so you can find the right neighborhood for you.
Kansas City is generally more affordable than many other U.S. cities. On the Missouri side, the cost of living is around 3% below the national average, with monthly expenses typically varying based on lifestyle and location. While some neighborhoods in Kansas City, KS offer lower rents and living costs, this varies widely based on precise location — so renters should compare options to find the best fit for their budget.
Kansas City is split between Kansas and Missouri, giving residents access to diverse neighborhoods and lifestyles. Moving here grants access to excellent educational institutions and job opportunities, making it a great choice for students and young professionals kicking off their careers.
Welcome to the Apartment List December 2024 Rent Report for Kansas City, MO. Currently, the overall median rent in the city stands at $1,307, roughly the same as last month. Prices and are now up 2.4% year-over-year. Read on to learn more about what’s been happening in the Kansas City rental market and how it compares to trends throughout the broader Kansas City metro area and the nation as a whole.
The median rent in Kansas City rose by 0.1% over the course of November, and has now increased by a total of 2.4% over the past 12 months. Kansas City’s rent growth over the past year has is similar to the state average (3.0%) and has outpaced the national average (-0.6%).
Eleven months into the year, rents in Kansas City have risen 2.2%. This is a faster rate of growth compared to what the city was experiencing at this point last year: from January to November 2023 rents had increased 0.8%.
Kansas City rents went up 0.1% in the past month, compared to the national rate of -0.8%. Among the nation's 100 largest cities, this ranks #12. Similar monthly rent growth took place in Irvine, CA (0.2%) and San Francisco, CA (0.0%).
Citywide, the median rent currently stands at $1,134 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1,338 for a 2-bedroom. Across all bedroom sizes (ie, the entire rental market), the median rent is $1,307. That ranks #67 in the nation, among the country's 100 largest cities.
For comparison, the median rent across the nation as a whole is $1,214 for a 1-bedroom, $1,368 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,382 overall. The median rent in Kansas City is 5.4% lower than the national, and is similar to the prices you would find in Fresno, CA ($1,317) and Jacksonville, FL ($1,305).
If we expand our view to the wider Kansas City metro area, the median rent is $1,313 meaning that the median price in Kansas City proper ($1,307) is 0.5% lower than the price across the metro as a whole. Metro-wide annual rent growth stands at 3.7%, above the rate of rent growth within just the city.
The table below shows the latest rent stats for 9 cities in the Kansas City metro area that are included in our database. Among them, Lee's Summit is currently the most expensive, with a median rent of $1,533. Kansas City is the metro’s most affordable city, with a median rent of $1,111. The metro's fastest annual rent growth is occurring in Independence (9.9%) while the slowest is in Kansas City (-0.7%).
You can also use the map below to explore the latest rent trends in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Apartment List is committed to the accuracy and transparency of our rent estimates. We begin with reliable median rent statistics from the Census Bureau, then extrapolate them forward to the current month using a growth rate calculated from our listing data. In doing so, we use a same-unit analysis similar to Case-Shiller’s approach, capturing apartment transactions over time to provide an accurate picture of rent growth in cities across the country. Our approach corrects for the sample bias inherent in other private sources, producing results that are much closer to statistics published by the Census Bureau and HUD. For more details, please see the Apartment List Rent Estimate Methodology.
Apartment List publishes monthly rent reports and underlying data for hundreds of cities across the nation, as well as data aggregated for counties, metros, and states. These data are intended to be a source of reliable information that help renters and policymakers make sound decisions. Insights from our data are covered regularly by journalists across the country. To access the data yourself, please visit our Data Downloads Page.
Welcome to the Apartment List December 2024 Rent Report for Kansas City, MO. Currently, the overall median rent in the city stands at $1,307, roughly the same as last month. Prices and are now up 2.4% year-over-year. Read on to learn more about what’s been happening in the Kansas City rental market and how it compares to trends throughout the broader Kansas City metro area and the nation as a whole.
Apartment List has released Kansas City’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of 111 million American renters nationwide.
"Kansas City renters expressed general satisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "However, ratings varied greatly across different categories, indicating that even though renters love Kansas City, some aspects can be better."
Key findings in Kansas City include the following:
Kansas City renters gave their city a B overall.
The highest-rated categories for Kansas City were commute time (A) and affordability (A-).
The areas of concern to Kansas City renters are quality of local schools and jobs and career opportunities, which both received D grades.
Millennial renters are moderately satisfied with their city, giving it an overall rating of B.
Kansas City did relatively well compared to other cities in Missouri, including Springfield (B-) and Saint Louis (C+).
Kansas City did relatively well compared to similar cities nationwide, including Oklahoma City, OK (C+), Las Vegas, NV (C) and Sacramento, CA (C).
The top rated cities nationwide for renter satisfaction include Scottsdale, AZ, Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO and Ann Arbor, MI. The lowest rated cities include Tallahassee, FL, Stockton, CA, Dayton, OH, Detroit, MI and Newark, NJ.
Renters say:
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
Kansas City - a city so nice they located it twice... One in Kansas and one in Missouri - plus Kansas also has a Manhattan - they've got the geography nuance bases covered better than the Royals. In reality, KC it's just a surprisingly hip city that overlaps a state border, and depending on which side, nicknamed KCK or KCMO.
Located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri river, the KCMO side has about 2,000,000 people, and the KCK slice has about 150,000
View Kansas City Guide
