City Comparison
Manhattan vs Kansas City
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Manhattan scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Manhattan
Kansas City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Manhattan is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Kansas City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Manhattan's average rent is
11% lower than Kansas City's.
| Metric | Manhattan | Kansas City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,231 | -11% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,020 | $2,231 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kansas City offers 26% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kansas City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Manhattan is estimated at
$50,000 vs $50,000 in Kansas City.
| Metric | Manhattan | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,053 idx | 87,640 idx |
| Household Income | $62,500 | $56,120 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Manhattan runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Manhattan comes out ahead with 286 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Manhattan sees 15.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Manhattan | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 286 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Manhattan has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Kansas City.
Manhattan scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Manhattan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Manhattan | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kansas City is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Manhattan.
From a growth perspective, Manhattan is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Manhattan has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Manhattan | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 54,100 | 155,438 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Manhattan
Advantages
Cost of living sits approximately 5% below the national average per recent cost-of-living indices.
Exceptional public safety ratings with crime rates well below state and national medians.
Proximity to Tuttle Creek Lake offers vast outdoor recreation, boating, and hiking opportunities.
Vibrant arts, cultural events, and Division I Big 12 collegiate athletics anchored by K-State.
High educational attainment levels and strong local public school performance.
Drawbacks
Rental market can experience tight inventories and higher prices near the university campus.
Local economy is heavily reliant on the university and military base, creating vulnerability to state/federal budget shifts.
Limited commercial flight options out of Manhattan Regional Airport require driving to Kansas City for major travel.
Humid continental climate brings notably cold winter extremes and occasional severe spring weather.
Public transit options are somewhat limited outside of core fixed-route bus services.
Kansas City
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing, groceries, and healthcare generally below national averages.
Strong job market with diverse opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Home to nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including The University of Kansas Hospital, consistently ranked as a top hospital.
Vibrant cultural scene, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue.
Relatively quick commute times compared to other major urban areas.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency.
Unpredictable weather with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and a risk of tornadoes.
Lower walkability score compared to more pedestrian-friendly cities.
Certain areas experience higher violent crime rates, which can be a concern for residents.
The city is landlocked, lacking easy access to beaches or mountains.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Manhattan
#170Kansas, USA
64.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
286/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
77
Business
70
Kansas City
#432Kansas, USA
56.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,231
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
32.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
75
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