Phoenix, AZ and Kansas City, MO are both vibrant and sprawling U.S. cities but offer contrasting lifestyles. Phoenix, characterized by a hot desert climate, offers low cost of living but higher tax rates, while Kansas City, with its humid continental climate, is known for its lower tax rates but higher real estate costs. Each city boasts a diverse range of cultural experiences, educational opportunities, sports teams, and robust healthcare systems. However, Phoenix is more famous for its sunny weather and outdoor activities, while Kansas City is better known for its jazz music and world-famous BBQ cuisine.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Kansas City, MO : 1,046.0 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 220%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Kansas City has grown by 66,849 people (15.1%) during that time.
When comparing crime rates, both cities have their challenges. Phoenix is slightly above the national average in terms of violent and property crime rates. Kansas City, on the other hand, has significantly higher than average violent crime rates, but property crime rates closer to the national average. Both cities are investing in public safety measures to address these issues.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,583 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 1,794 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Kansas City is 268 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Phoenix than in Kansas City.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Phoenix is relatively low compared to the national average. Housing, groceries, and healthcare are all typically cheaper than in Kansas City, which has an above-average cost of living, particularly within the city limits where housing can be more expensive. However, both cities offer range of affordable neighborhoods and suburbs.
Income Tax
Arizona has a graduated income tax, meaning higher earners will pay a higher rate, while Missouri has a flat income tax rate of 5.4%. This makes income tax in Phoenix potentially higher for upper-income individuals.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Phoenix are considerably lower than in Kansas City. This is reflected in the overall cost of home ownership in each city and could be a deciding factor for those looking to purchase a home.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a higher combined state and city sales tax rate of 8.6%, while Kansas City stands at 7.49%. The tax rates can impact the overall cost of living in each city.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$63,396
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$36,456
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
87.3
If you make $50,000 in Kansas City, you will have to make $57,961 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix sits within the Sonoran desert, offering a multitude of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes. Kansas City, situated on the border of Missouri and Kansas, features beautiful parkland settings, fountains, and boulevards.
Both cities boast of robust educational systems. Phoenix offers a variety of school districts and has a number of institutions of higher learning, including Arizona State University. Kansas City also offers a diverse range of educational options, with award-winning schools and prestigious colleges such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Phoenix's economy is on the rise, with job growth rates well above the national average. It's known for industries like tourism, healthcare, and technology. Kansas City's economy is more diverse, featuring strong agricultural, manufacturing, and tech sectors. Both cities are great for job opportunities, but the specific jobs may vary depending on the industry.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo are some of the largest employers. In Kansas City, major employers include Sprint, Cerner Corporation, and the University of Kansas Health System, providing a range of job opportunities across various sectors.
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Kansas City (Jackson County), 58.9% voted for Democrats and 39.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
2020
50.2%
60.1%
48.0%
38.1%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
44.9%
55.5%
47.7%
38.1%
7.5%
6.4%
2012
43.6%
58.9%
54.3%
39.3%
2.1%
1.7%
2008
44.0%
62.1%
54.5%
36.8%
1.5%
1.1%
2004
42.4%
58.2%
57.0%
41.4%
0.6%
0.4%
2000
43.0%
59.0%
53.4%
38.4%
3.6%
2.5%
1996
44.5%
56.2%
47.2%
34.3%
8.2%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
10.3%
4.3%
6.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
9.5%
6.5%
13.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.2%
2.0%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
1.4%
1.5%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.8%
1.3%
1.7%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
0.3%
0.6%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.1%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.5%
0.6%
Weather
Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate, with extremely high temperatures in the summer months. Nevertheless, winters are mild and sunny, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking the sun during the cooler months. Conversely, Kansas City has a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers. It also experiences all four seasons, which includes a colorful fall and a beautiful spring.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
56.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
76.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
30.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
36.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
38 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
20.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
67.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
25.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
48%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
11.2 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Kansas City, Missouri
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
Phoenix
Kansas City
2018
156
89
0.38
0.29
15.2
11.1
28.5
29.6
34.8
24.5
8.6
7.4
0.6
0.9
2017
120
88
0.41
0.29
15.9
11.6
28.6
30.4
34.9
26.7
7.6
10.0
1.4
1.4
2016
114
85
0.44
0.30
15.8
12.0
27.3
28.9
30.6
24.9
7.7
9.0
0.4
1.5
2015
102
90
0.46
0.30
17.6
12.9
27.1
28.9
26.2
33.6
7.9
8.3
0.9
4.6
2014
117
90
0.46
0.28
19.6
13.0
27.6
28.6
37.0
28.5
8.5
9.3
1.1
5.0
2013
130
88
0.43
0.41
19.9
13.2
27.9
29.3
35.3
30.8
8.4
10.3
0.9
5.6
2012
157
105
0.44
0.52
21.2
14.2
28.1
31.9
41.9
N/A
8.8
10.3
1.3
6.4
2011
203
108
0.47
0.45
20.0
15.0
28.3
29.9
41.3
N/A
9.6
10.9
0.9
4.8
2010
100
97
0.48
0.40
19.9
15.0
26.9
27.4
31.2
N/A
8.3
11.9
0.9
5.4
2009
108
96
0.52
0.29
20.1
14.8
25.6
28.3
38.2
N/A
N/A
9.6
1.8
6.1
2008
106
89
0.48
0.40
21.4
17.0
26.6
25.7
39.6
N/A
N/A
11.5
2.4
6.0
2007
129
104
0.54
0.42
23.5
18.4
25.2
29.1
47.6
N/A
N/A
13.1
2.4
4.2
2006
131
104
0.66
0.36
25.3
18.5
24.4
29.2
50.8
N/A
N/A
12.4
2.3
5.1
2005
109
105
0.74
0.55
25.9
18.3
22.2
28.4
44.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
4.5
2004
98
83
0.77
0.45
25.5
11.6
23.4
26.2
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
4.0
2003
101
99
0.90
0.41
26.8
10.9
23.7
28.0
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
3.0
2002
111
100
0.98
0.40
28.7
8.9
23.6
27.0
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.5
2001
106
88
1.00
0.52
28.6
7.9
22.3
27.0
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.2
2000
117
102
1.14
0.75
29.9
8.8
24.6
29.2
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.2
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
200.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
598.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
24%
Transportation
Phoenix's public transportation system consists of a light rail and extensive bus system, while Kansas City offers a free streetcar service in the downtown area, in addition to numerous bus lines. Both cities are easy to navigate by car, but Phoenix generally sees less traffic congestion due to its wide roadways and thorough planning.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Bicycle
0.4%
0.4%
Bus
1.8%
1.5%
Carpooled
12.2%
8.7%
Car alone
81.8%
86.8%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.4%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Average
28.6 min
25.5 min
Other means
26.4 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
8%
In 3 person carpool
2%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in both cities can vary. In Phoenix, the housing market is hot with competitive prices and a high demand for housing due to the city’s growth. Kansas City, on the other hand, have a real estate market that is a bit more balanced, with slower growth but less competition, making it potentially easier to find a home within your budget.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix is characterized by its suburban-style neighborhoods, many of which offer new constructions and family-friendly environments. Kansas City showcases a mix of older neighborhoods with character and charm in addition to newer developments. Both cities offer a variety of options to fit different budgets and lifestyle preferences.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Houses
644,625
243,950
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1975
Median year house/condo built
1983
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
12 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
219,020 (89.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
118,384 (54.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
100,636 (45.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$933.71
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,092
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$71,644
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$213,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$250,072
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$212,485
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$147,015
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$274,597
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$19,650
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$485,967
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$203,232
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$247,285
Median house age
36
52
Renting percentage
42.4%
43.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
778
House value disparities
30.8%
36%
Household income disparities
43.9%
43.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$96,255
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$64,961
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
1,566 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
5,650 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
77,422 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
403 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
6,848 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
3.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
2.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Kansas City
One, detached
60.3%
60.7%
One, attached
4.9%
3.9%
Two
1.4%
3.1%
3 or 4
4.4%
4.4%
5 to 9
5.0%
5.8%
10 to 19
5.3%
6.2%
20 to 49
4.1%
5.8%
50 or more
11.3%
9.3%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
13,035
State government workers
30,385
6,835
Unpaid family workers
1,048
197
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix's economy leans heavily on the healthcare, retail, and tourism sectors. It has a sizable landscape for tech startups as well. Kansas City houses a varied economy, with sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing taking the lead alongside an emerging tech industry.
Health care in Phoenix is robust, anchored by renowned facilities such as the Mayo Clinic and Banner Health. Kansas City is also home to highly-regarded health systems including Saint Luke's, the University of Kansas Hospital, and the Children's Mercy Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix exhibits a well-developed infrastructural network with a unique blend of modern and southwestern architecture. The city is thoroughly planned, with wide roads and a relatively new transit system. Kansas City's infrastructure is characterized by its impressive architectures like the Kansas City Union Station and the Liberty Memorial. It's known for its bustling downtown area and well-maintained suburban roads.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Kansas City
Hospitals
48
30
TV stations
22
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
140
Bank institutions located here
41
41
Main business address for public companies
41
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Kansas City
1999
5,846
1,565
2000
4,847
1,758
2001
3,823
1,494
2002
3,472
1,380
2003
5,750
1,975
2004
9,848
3,011
2005
15,879
3,470
2006
18,392
3,499
2007
9,797
2,228
2008
3,130
742
2009
1,614
447
Culture and Food
Phoenix is known for its vibrant southwest culture, with Native American and Mexican influences heavily present in its food and art scenes. Kansas City boasts a thriving jazz music scene and world-famous BBQ cuisine, offering a unique midwest flavor.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to teams in all four major leagues: the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), the Phoenix Suns (NBA), the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and the Arizona Coyotes (NHL). Kansas City is renowned for the beloved Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB).
Phoenix, AZ
Kansas City, MO
Phoenix, AZ and 
Kansas City, MO : 1,046.0 miles
