Cost of Living in Lee's Summit, MO
If you’re thinking about relocating to Lee’s Summit, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: How far will my money go here compared to where I live now? This guide breaks down the everyday costs so you can see how living in this Kansas City suburb stacks up against other U.S. cities.
Cost of Living in Lee's Summit, MO
At-a-Glance Numbers
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Population: 105,746 residents (2025)
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Median Household Income: $104,989+
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Median Home Value: $391,743–$411,000 (with listings reaching $500,000+)
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Cost of Living Index: 103 (about 3% above the U.S. average)
What that means: Your dollar stretches further here than in most big U.S. metros, but expect housing to cost a little more than Missouri’s state average.
Housing: Where the Biggest Difference Is
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Median Home Value: The current median sale price for homes is about $410,000, with average home values between $386,052 and $415,000 according to the latest reports for July–September 2025
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Rent:
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1-bedroom apartment averages $1,225–$1,423/month
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3-bedroom: about $1,791–$2,300/month
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Compared to coastal markets or major metros, Lee’s Summit homes give you a lot more square footage for the money. A $400,000 home here often means 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, about 2,400sqft plus and a yard while that same budget in Denver or Austin might get you a smaller condo or townhouse.
Utilities and Internet
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Single Household Utilities: $119 per month is reasonable; family utilities of $180 per month are also plausible, but market surveys show some variation up to $200, depending on energy and water use.
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High-Speed Internet: Average cost is $65–$100 per month for basic to mid-tier service. Options are typically limited to AT&T, Google Fiber, Spectrum, and Infinity.
Food and Dining
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Groceries (sample prices):
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Gallon of milk: $4.12
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Loaf of bread: $3.33
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Chicken breasts (2 pounds): about $9.80
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Apples (per pound): about $2.20
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Eating Out:
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Lunch: about $19.50
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Dinner for two: about $81.70
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Fast food meal: about $11.20
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Cappuccino: about $5.06
Grocery prices are close to average, and dining out costs less than in larger metro areas but more than in smaller Missouri towns.
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Transportation
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Gas: about $2.97 per gallon
- Uber: $8/One-way around Lee’s Summit
Kansas City does not have the extensive transit systems found in New York or Chicago, but driving here is much more affordable, especially with gas prices below the national average.
Healthcare
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Doctor Visit: about $129
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Cold Medicine (1 week): $12 to $13
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Haircut: $20-$40
- I go to “1 Million Cuts” and it’s $65
Healthcare costs are close to national averages.
Childcare and Education
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Daycare/Preschool: about $1,001 per month
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Private Schools: about $21,141 per year
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Public Schools: Highly rated, which saves families from private school costs
For families relocating from bigger cities, this is an area where your dollar stretches significantly further, since highly rated public schools often remove the need for private tuition.
Quality of Life
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Air Quality: Excellent
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Lee’s Summit ranked as the #4 spot on U.S. World News & Report’s Best Places to Live in Missouri
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Community Feel: Suburban comfort with quick access to Kansas City jobs and amenities
The money you spend here buys more than housing and groceries. It gives you larger homes, well-regarded schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods that add to your quality of life.
Cost of Living in Lee’s Summit, MO Compared to Other Midwest Cities
Overall Insight
Lee’s Summit’s cost of living index is similar to the Kansas City metro and slightly higher than St. Louis and other Missouri markets. Housing is the main factor driving costs higher, but compared to larger Midwest metros like Chicago or Minneapolis, Lee’s Summit offers more value for the size and quality of homes. Everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are very similar across the region.
Midwest Metro Cost of Living Comparison
| Metro Area | Cost of Living Index | Typical 1BR Rent | Median Home Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lee’s Summit, MO | ~90–103 | $1,000–$1,400 | ~$386,000–$410,000 | Slightly above Missouri average, suburban value |
| Kansas City Metro | ~90–91 | $1,152 | ~$311,000 | Slightly less expensive than Lee’s Summit |
| St. Louis Metro | ~89 | $1,042 | ~$232,000 | Cheaper housing, similar grocery/utilities |
| Chicago, IL | ~94–121 | $2,000+ | ~$412,000 | Housing and dining higher than KC and Lee’s Summit |
| Minneapolis, MN | ~95 | $1,510+ | ~$350,000 | Higher rent, slightly higher home prices |
| Des Moines, IA | ~86 | $1,025 | ~$235,000 | Lower housing costs, lower overall index |
| Indianapolis, IN | ~86 | $1,009 | ~$245,000 | Among lowest Midwest costs of living |
| Milwaukee, WI | ~93 | $1,286 | ~$277,000 | Below Midwest norm, but higher than smaller Missouri cities |
Lee’s Summit’s cost of living is very competitive within the Midwest. It is comparable to Kansas City, slightly higher than St. Louis and Des Moines, and substantially more affordable than Chicago, Minneapolis, or Milwaukee. Families and professionals relocating from larger Midwest metros will find stronger housing value, lower commute costs, and access to highly rated schools.
Cost of Living in Lee’s Summit Summary
When it comes to stretching your dollar, Lee’s Summit strikes a balance that is hard to beat. Housing is a bit higher than smaller Missouri cities, but you get more space and quality than in bigger Midwest metros like Chicago or Minneapolis, all while keeping everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation close to national averages. Add in excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong community feel, and you’ll see why so many families and professionals are choosing to call Lee’s Summit home.
If you’re weighing a move and want a city where your money goes further without sacrificing quality of life, Lee’s Summit deserves to be on your shortlist.
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