Although both Washington, DC, and Kansas City, MO are vibrant and unique cities known for their rich cultural heritage and attractive lifestyle, they cater to different lifestyles with their own distinctive attributes. When you compare the two cities, you'll find that the cost of living, crime rate, climate, educational opportunities, industries, job markets, and infrastructures are quite different and provide unique benefits. Every individual or family might lean toward one or the other depending on their personal needs and preferences.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Kansas City, MO : 940.6 miles
Washington's population is larger by 32%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Kansas City has grown by 66,849 people (15.1%) during that time.
Safety is a significant concern for both residents and tourists. Washington DC, being the nation's capital, has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While the city has made substantial efforts to curb crime, it remains a concern, especially in certain areas. Kansas City, on the other hand, also deals with crime but its rate is slightly lower than Washington DC's. It's essential to research and understand the specific areas in both cities before making a decision.
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 1,072 registered sex offenders living in Washington and 1,794 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 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 Washington than in Kansas City.
Cost of Living
Living in Washington, DC is more expensive than Kansas City due to higher housing and transportation costs. According to a US Census report, the median home value in DC is around three times higher than in Kansas City. Also, basic amenities and services are more costly in Washington, DC.
Income Tax
The district of Columbia has a progressive income tax system topping out at 8.95% for high income earners. Kansas City residents must pay both state and city income taxes, but overall, the rates in Missouri are lower, ranging from 1.5% to 5.4%.
Property Tax
Although Washington, DC housing is more expensive, it has lower property tax rates averaging around 0.56%. In Kansas City, residents are subject to higher property tax rates that average around 1.35%.
Sales Tax
Washington, DC charges a city sales tax of 6%. Kansas City, in contrast, imposes a higher tax rate of 8.6% that includes both city and state sales taxes.
Income
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$63,396
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$36,456
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
87.3
If you make $50,000 in Kansas City, you will have to make $71,134 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Washington, DC is located along the east coast, with relatively flat terrain and proximity to both beaches and mountains. Kansas City's location in the Midwest means it has more plains and rolling hills, with many parks and trails.
For families with school-age children, education is an important consideration. Washington, DC is home to some of the best universities in the country, including Georgetown University and George Washington University. Apart from that, the District of Columbia Public Schools is also making strides in improving K-12 education. Kansas City, while smaller, also boasts reputable universities like the University of Missouri-Kansas City and good public schooling options.
The economy of Washington, DC is unfailingly robust, anchored by the federal government. The city also has a strong presence of law firms, non-profits, and diplomatic missions. Kansas City, while having a smaller economy, is a hub for industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, and the service sector.
Biggest Employers
In Washington, DC, the federal government is the largest employer. Other major employers include MedStar Health, Inova Health, and Marriott International. In Kansas City, the top employers are the federal government, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and several healthcare systems.
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% 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
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
2020
92.6%
60.1%
5.4%
38.1%
2.0%
1.8%
2016
90.9%
55.5%
4.1%
38.1%
5.0%
6.4%
2012
90.9%
58.9%
7.3%
39.3%
1.8%
1.7%
2008
92.5%
62.1%
6.5%
36.8%
1.0%
1.1%
2004
89.6%
58.2%
9.4%
41.4%
1.0%
0.4%
2000
85.2%
59.0%
9.0%
38.4%
5.9%
2.5%
1996
85.2%
56.2%
9.3%
34.3%
5.5%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
10.3%
7.4%
6.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.3%
10.3%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
9.5%
10.3%
13.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
0.8%
5.3%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.5%
1.8%
1.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.4%
1.1%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
2.1%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
1.4%
0.3%
1.8%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
0.4%
0.5%
0.6%
Weather
Weather-wise, both cities experience four seasons. Washington, DC, however, has a milder and more humid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Kansas City experiences hotter summers and colder, snowier winters. Weather preferences vary by individual, but for those who enjoy a true four-season climate, Kansas City might prove preferable.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
56.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
76.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
30.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
36.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
38 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
20.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
67.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
25.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
48%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
11.2 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Kansas City, Missouri
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
Washington
Kansas City
2018
88
89
0.32
0.29
11.6
11.1
23.2
29.6
N/A
N/A
16.4
24.5
8.8
7.4
0.8
0.9
2017
84
88
0.32
0.29
12.3
11.6
24.9
30.4
N/A
N/A
16.5
26.7
9.8
10.0
1.0
1.4
2016
98
85
0.43
0.30
14.7
12.0
24.6
28.9
0.002
N/A
17.2
24.9
9.5
9.0
1.0
1.5
2015
91
90
0.34
0.30
14.8
12.9
26.2
28.9
0.002
N/A
17.0
33.6
10.4
8.3
1.3
4.6
2014
85
90
0.33
0.28
11.6
13.0
25.9
28.6
0.002
N/A
17.1
28.5
10.0
9.3
1.0
5.0
2013
88
88
0.34
0.41
11.7
13.2
25.6
29.3
0.002
N/A
17.3
30.8
11.6
10.3
1.0
5.6
2012
103
105
0.58
0.52
15.2
14.2
27.6
31.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
10.3
1.6
6.4
2011
105
108
0.67
0.45
15.4
15.0
27.7
29.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
10.9
3.1
4.8
2010
114
97
0.88
0.40
15.9
15.0
29.3
27.4
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
11.9
3.4
5.4
2009
90
96
0.86
0.29
16.2
14.8
24.4
28.3
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
9.6
4.6
6.1
2008
103
89
1.23
0.40
16.2
17.0
25.3
25.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
11.5
5.6
6.0
2007
113
104
1.17
0.42
16.8
18.4
27.1
29.1
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
13.1
5.1
4.2
2006
114
104
1.11
0.36
17.2
18.5
25.5
29.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
12.4
4.5
5.1
2005
105
105
0.86
0.55
20.5
18.3
22.7
28.4
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
4.5
4.5
2004
113
83
0.62
0.45
21.3
11.6
20.6
26.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.3
N/A
6.5
4.0
2003
108
99
0.90
0.41
23.6
10.9
20.8
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
8.3
3.0
2002
125
100
1.16
0.40
23.7
8.9
25.0
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
2.5
2001
113
88
1.07
0.52
23.9
7.9
22.0
27.0
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.7
1.2
2000
115
102
1.17
0.75
20.2
8.8
19.1
29.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
2.2
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
200.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
598.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
24%
Transportation
Public transportation is more extensive in Washington, DC, with an extensive metro and bus system, making commuting easier. Kansas City also has public transport but is not as extensive. Driving is often a more feasible mode of transportation in Kansas City.
Transport
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
456
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Bicycle
2%
0.4%
Bus
6.3%
1.5%
Carpooled
7.8%
8.7%
Car alone
62.5%
86.8%
Railroad
0.3%
0%
Streetcar
10.6%
0%
Subway
1.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.2%
Walked
5.7%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Average
39.2 min
25.5 min
Other means
26 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
89.4%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
8%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Washington, DC is more costly, with tightly packed residential areas and a competitive market. Kansas City offers cheaper real estate and you'd find larger properties for less money, giving you more bang for your buck.
Neighborhoods
Both Washington DC and Kansas City have diverse neighborhoods. DC offers everything from urban areas filled with historical brownstones to more suburban-feeling areas. Kansas City is known for its culturally rich neighborhoods, including the Crossroads Arts District and Hyde Park.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Houses
357,482
243,950
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1965
1975
Median year house/condo built
1941
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
12 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
219,020 (89.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
118,384 (54.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
100,636 (45.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$933.71
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$1,092
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$71,644
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$213,400
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$250,072
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$212,485
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$147,015
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$274,597
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$203,232
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$247,285
Median house age
65
52
Renting percentage
58%
43.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
778
House value disparities
26.7%
36%
Household income disparities
45.7%
43.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$96,255
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$64,961
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
1,566 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
5,650 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
77,422 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
403 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
6,848 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
3.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
2.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Kansas City
One, detached
11.2%
60.7%
One, attached
22.2%
3.9%
Two
2.7%
3.1%
3 or 4
6.8%
4.4%
5 to 9
7.3%
5.8%
10 to 19
8.5%
6.2%
20 to 49
7.6%
5.8%
50 or more
33.6%
9.3%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
13,035
State government workers
6,699
6,835
Unpaid family workers
580
197
Industries and Occupations
Job seekers in Washington, DC will find opportunities in federal and local government roles, law, international relations, and education. Thank to the concentration of NGOs, non-profit roles are also abundant. Kansas City's dominant sectors include healthcare, education, and finance, as well as the government sector.
Both cities have excellent healthcare institutions. Washington, DC houses prestigious hospitals like MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and George Washington University Hospital. Kansas City hosts several renowned healthcare facilities, including the University of Missouri Healthcare and Saint Luke's Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Kansas City
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The infrastructure in Washington, DC includes well-maintained public parks, a myriad of historical sites, and landmark buildings. Kansas City also boasts unique infrastructures, including excellent City Libraries, and the world-class Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Kansas City
Hospitals
114
30
TV stations
27
14
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
247
140
Bank institutions located here
34
41
Main business address for public companies
30
27
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Kansas City
1999
1,328
1,565
2000
1,438
1,758
2001
935
1,494
2002
886
1,380
2003
1,319
1,975
2004
2,281
3,011
2005
2,920
3,470
2006
3,362
3,499
2007
2,548
2,228
2008
1,095
742
2009
514
447
Culture and Food
Both cities are cultural hubs. Washington, DC offers a plethora of museums, cultural institutions, restaurants, and festivals. Kansas City has a hearty cultural scene too, known for its jazz history, barbeque cuisine, and artistic communities.
Sports Teams
Sporting fans in both cities won't be disappointed. Washington, DC is home to teams such as the Washington Football Team, Wizards, Capitals, and Nationals. Kansas City, on the other hand, cheers for the Chiefs, Royals, and Sporting Kansas City.
Washington, DC
Kansas City, MO
Washington, DC and 
Kansas City, MO : 940.6 miles
