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Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Kansas City, Missouri.
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
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 — 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.
Urban renaissance defines The Downtown Loop, where Kansas City's core business district has transformed with new residential options alongside historic buildings. Rental choices range from industrial-chic lofts in converted warehouses to luxury high-rises with skyline views and rooftop amenities. The neighborhood offers exceptional walkability to entertainment districts, streetcar access, and major employers, though rental rates exceed Kansas City averages with fierce competition for units in the most desirable buildings.
Lakefront living defines Coves North, where this northern Kansas City community surrounds artificial lakes creating unexpected water features unusual within typically landlocked Midwestern landscapes. The district features contemporary construction with amenities including walking trails, fishing areas, and recreation facilities unusual at this price point outside premium vacation destinations. For value-conscious renters seeking resort environments without premium pricing, Coves North offers Kansas City's compelling combination of water proximity, newer construction addressing practical Midwestern seasonal considerations through energy-efficient systems, and strategic positioning creating reasonable commutes to various employment centers without excessive travel times increasingly important as Kansas City's continued growth affects traffic patterns throughout the metropolitan area creating practical considerations beyond purely aesthetic housing attributes affecting comprehensive quality-of-life calculations.
Academic proximity shines near Rockhurst University. Renters appreciate 1920s Tudor homes but face pothole-riddled streets and 45-minute commutes to downtown jobs via I-35.
*Based on base prices that don’t include fees
