Forbes named Kansas City the 13th most affordable city in the U.S. KC ranked 12th in asking price, 30th in salaries, 13th in cost of living and 25th in unemployment.
Many Midwestern cities were leaders in affordability -- with Omaha taking the #1 spot. Buffalo, NY was numBer 2.
Other Midwest cities like Indianapolis (4), Minneapolis (7), Cincinnati (5), Cleveland (8), Columbus (12) and Oklahoma City (9) also finished ahead of KC.
Kansas City could move up the list with an increase in job growth -- particularly in the Jackson County part of KCMO where job growth has been negative over the past decade. But the easy availability of affordable housing and relatively low unemployment makes KC a pretty affordable place to live....which, if sold to potential out-of-the area businesses, who rely on attracting employees who want to live an affordable lifestyle.
I would be curious to see how these numbers stack up if the earnings tax is repealed and they hike the sales and property tax rates. I guess time will tell.
Posted by: Sarah | January 07, 2011 at 03:55 PM
We could also move up the list if had a better public transit system. Right now we are #2 for transportation costs. We spend more of our income on transportation than housing, because have to drive so far to work, school, shops, etc.
Posted by: Ericrogers | January 10, 2011 at 09:49 AM