This popular tourist destination is also home to many renters who enjoy a great job market and a low unemployment rate. Kansas City is known for its thought-provoking art, museums, culinary delights, entertainment venues and myriads of fountains. Some even state that Kansas City boasts more fountains than Rome itself.
Whether it's touring the National WWI Museum and Memorial or planning a family-friendly trip to the Kansas City Zoo, interactive experiences await in this “City of Fountains."
What is the average rent in Kansas City?
Many renters enjoy the flexibility and excitement that Kansas City has to offer. As of Jan. 2022, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Kansas City is $1,341 per month. However, you can still acquire a comfortable two-bedroom apartment by selecting one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Kansas City to settle down.
The 10 most affordable neighborhoods in Kansas City
Budgeting is essential when renting. However, even individuals watching their money can still experience what people love about Kansas City without breaking the bank.
Here, we'll check out the 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Kansas City to help give you a better feel for each one.
10. Barry Harbour
Source: Rent./The Heights at Linden Square
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,238
- Rent change since 2021: +0.98%
Barry Harbour is a highly residential neighborhood with multiple apartment complexes and townhomes. In fact, several of these are right by Wood Bridge Park. Tenants enjoy walking or driving to this large green space to decompress and relax. Nearby, Highlands Performance Volleyball Club provides training and team play for school-aged girls.
Schools in Barry Harbour include Hopewell Elementary School and LEAD Innovation Studio. Right outside the eastern boundary of Barry Harbour is PowerPlay Metro North Entertainment Center, an entertainment venue with arcade games, laser tag, a carousel and go-karts. In addition to being a family-friendly area, Barry Harbour is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Kansas City.
9. Hill Haven
Source: Rent./Bennington Park Townhomes
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,162
- Rent change since 2021: +6.19%
Hill Haven has a broad stripe of green space running down its center. It consists of Hidden Valley Park, with wide, open tracts of land, walking trails and a sports field. Hidden Valley Park encompasses 193.2 acres and some of the land operated as a radio-controlled airplane airfield in the past. In fact, locals sometimes still refer to it as the “Airplane Park."
Commercial businesses appear throughout the neighborhood of Hill Haven, and many of its apartment complexes and townhomes are close to Hidden Valley Park. The Missouri River runs along Hill Haven's southern edge. This beautiful and naturally breath-taking area is also one of the cheapest places to live in Kansas City.
8. South Side
Source: Rent./Meridian at View High
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,123
- Rent change since 2021: -2.71%
The South Side is a larger residential area with much to offer. Its attractions and employment opportunities make it a popular neighborhood in Kansas City. For example, the Kansas City Zoo is here, with more than 200 sprawling acres and approximately 1,700 animals to view and interact with. The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City is also on the South Side, offering interactive exhibits to the public. Young children learn about a variety of subjects, including math, art and science.
Many medical centers are in or near the South Side, including University Health Lakewood Medical Center, Saint Luke's East Hospital, KU Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Rock Hill Medical Plaza. The South Side is also one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Kansas City.
7. Columbus Park
Source: Rent./One Light Luxury Apartments
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,117
- Rent change since 2021: +0.40%
Columbus Park has intermittent green spaces and delicious eateries. The Garrison Community Center is over a century old and a well-known community hangout. Its activities, events and clubs help keep youth, adults and seniors engaged. Columbus Square Park allows individuals to unwind after a long, hard day at work, and Harrison Street DIY Skate Park attracts experienced and novice skaters.
Local cuisine includes Vietnamese specialties at the Vietnam Cafe, Italian food at Garozzo's Downtown and classic brunches at Happy Gillis. Moretina's Caddy Shack is a popular place to grab a beer or have a glass of wine. The interactive neighborhood of Columbus Park is also one of the cheapest places to live in Kansas City.
6. Fairlane
Source: Rent./Haven Apartments
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,107
- Rent change since 2021: +8.38%
Fairlane has multiple schools to choose from, making it perfect for renters with young or growing families. The Hillcrest Community Center provides events for all age groups and is a great place to socialize. South of the community center sits Jerry Darter Park, where children enjoy a nice playground area.
The residential neighborhood of Fairlane is complete with businesses, pharmacies, churches and restaurants. Its affordable housing and family-friendly community are a bonus considering it's one of the cheapest places to live in Kansas City.
5. Quality Hill
Source: Rent./Summit on Quality Hill
- Average 2-BR rent: $1,057
- Rent change since 2021: -5.84%
Quality Hill is abuzz with excitement. Positioned close to Downtown, this neighborhood is unique in its own right. Quaff Bar & Grill is a sports bar serving up cold drinks, classic food like wings and burgers, live music, dancing, games of pool and more. Peanut Downtown is also a well-rated bar and grill with a rich history. It's Kansas City's oldest bar, and it operated as a speakeasy in 1933 before the government repealed Prohibition laws.
Not far away, you can enjoy a well-seasoned steak at The Majestic Restaurant while swaying to live jazz in the background. Quality Hill is a happening place, especially for one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Kansas City.
4. East Side
Source: Rent./Hampton Court
- Average 2-BR rent: $896
- Rent change since 2021: +13.04%
The East Side neighborhood covers an immense area and comprises multiple districts. It's home to Arrowhead Stadium, where professional football games and large concerts last well into the night. Right across the way is Kauffman Stadium, where baseball fans holler for their favorite teams.
There are plenty of family-fun activities on the East Side, too. Play arcade games, mini-golf, speed around in go-karts or test your skills out at the batting cage when you visit Cool Crest Family Fun Center. With plenty of businesses, schools, parks, restaurants, entertainment venues and golf courses, the East Side is one of the busiest places in Missouri. It's also one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Kansas City.
3. Park Farms
Source: Rent./Park Meadows
- Average 2-BR rent: $856
- Rent change since 2021: +4.87%
Park Farms has clusters of housing and schools. This highly residential neighborhood is not far from Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park. Here, individuals take to the skies via a zip line, hone their ax-throwing skills and navigate their way through various outdoor obstacles.
Park Farms also has its own green space, Cave Spring Park. Cave Spring Park is a National Historic Landmark with trails, picnic tables, a pavilion and a play area. It's also dog-friendly, though the park does request that dogs stay on their leashes at all times. Park Farms has easy access to other parts of the city and is currently one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Kansas City.
2. Ashland Ridge
Source: Rent./Harvard Court
- Average 2-BR rent: $832
- Rent change since 2021: +5.51%
Ashland Ridge is known for its unique restaurants and bars. Witness authentic Italian cuisine at V's Italiano Ristorante, mouthwatering tomato-free chili atop burgers, tacos and spaghetti at Dixon's Famous Chili Parlor and flavorful Mexican food at La Fuente Mexican Restaurant. Sit back and sip cocktails at the Time Out Lounge or head on over to Harvey's Neon Bar for a quick bite to eat and a cold beer.
One of Ashland Ridge's primary attractions is its proximity to large venues like Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, which are only a car ride away. Sports fans will enjoy being able to hop in the car and head to a nearby game. Currently, Ashland Ridge is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Kansas City.
1. Loma Vista
Source: Rent./Courtyard Apartments
- Average 2-BR rent: $787
- Rent change since 2021: -17.48%
Loma Vista is a largely residential neighborhood ripe with schools, a public library, pharmacy, restaurants, churches and businesses. Loma Vista has a small park, Schumacher Park. If you're a nature-lover and want more green space, Loma Vista is exceptionally close to the Blue River Glades Natural Area. Follow along the Eddy-Ballentine Trail, where individuals can walk or hike.
Heart of America Golf Course and Hillcrest Golf Course are also nearby for those who enjoy a good game of golf on the weekends. In addition to being a rather large neighborhood with affordable apartments and housing, Loma Vista is also currently the cheapest neighborhood in Kansas City.
The most expensive neighborhood in Kansas City
Crown Center is a prestigious neighborhood in Kansas City. It has the finest shops, boutiques, attractions and restaurants in Missouri. Everything you can want or imagine is right within this neighborhood, from live theater to an extensive aquarium to swanky shopping centers. Finding things to do in Crown Center is never an issue, so it's no wonder that it's the most expensive neighborhood in Kansas City. Currently, the average two-bedroom rent in Crown Center is $2,425, and there has been a 3.67 percent rent change since 2021.
Find an affordable neighborhood for your next apartment
We are here to assist you in your search to find apartments for rent in Kansas City. The cheapest neighborhoods in Kansas City mentioned here will put you well on your way to locating the perfect place to settle down.
