There is a long-standing rivalry between the Midwest metropolises of Kansas City and St. Louis. In short, STL vs. KC is a hot topic when someone needs to pick between them for travel or residential purposes. I have talked a lot about this topic in this article.
How many miles from Kansas City to St Louis? The cities are only about 200 miles apart. But they have very different cultures and histories.
Kansas City is comprehended for its jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue. St. Louis is known for its baseball team, the Cardinals, and the Gateway Arch. Both cities have their unique charms, but which one is better?
I cannot clarify the winner in the battle of Missouri’s two biggest cities. In fact, nobody can identify the winner. After all, both cities have plenty to offer visitors and residents.
Which City is the Better Choice?
Some of the critical factors I suggest you consider:
Location
St. Louis is located on the eastern side of Missouri, while Kansas City is on the western side. It can be a deciding factor for some people, depending on where they want to be in the state.
Size
St. Louis is Missouri’s second-largest city, with a population of about 293,310. On the other hand, Kansas City is the state’s largest city, with a population of more than 508,394. Again, this may be a deciding factor for some people who prefer a big city or a smaller town feel.
Attractions
Both cities offer plenty of things to wonder about and wander. But St. Louis probably has the edge regarding tourist attractions like the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Again, Kansas City does have its fair share of attractions, though, including Kauffman Stadium and Union Station.
Kansas City Vs. St Louis Crime
Anyone who has lived in or visited Kansas City and St. Louis can attest that the two cities are very dissimilar. One of the most notable differences is the level of crime in each city.
While both cities have their share of crime, St. Louis’s crime rate is consistently higher than that of Kansas City. Hence, there are a few factors that contribute to this difference. But one of the most significant is the socioeconomic conditions in each city.
St. Louis has a higher poverty rate than Kansas City. Besides, poverty is closely linked to crime. Moreover, St. Louis also has a higher murder rate than Kansas City.
There are certainly dangers present in both cities indeed. But the residents of St. Louis need to be more aware of potential criminal activity. Also, they should take steps to protect themselves accordingly.
If you’re planning on visiting or moving to St. Louis, research the areas, you’ll frequent and take precautions to stay safe.
Kansas City Vs. St Louis Baseball
The two Midwest rivals, the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals, have a long history of competition on the baseball field. These teams first played each other in 1892. They have been playing almost every year since then. In total, they have played over 700 games against each other.
The rivalry heated up in the 1970s when both teams were among the best in baseball. They met in the playoffs three times during that decade, with the Cardinals winning twice. Indeed, the most famous game between these two teams was probably Game 6 of the 1985 World Series.
The Royals were down 3-2 in the series and behind 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning when pinch hitter Jorge Orta hit a weak grounder to first baseman Jack Clark. Clark threw Orta out in the game, but umpire Don Denkinger called him safe. The call was later reversed after a video review. But it sparked a massive argument between fans of both teams.
The Cardinals were on a mission to win that game. Eventually, they took home their ninth world championship. But for Royals fans, that play is still a source of frustration and anger. Since then, there hasn’t been much playoff excitement between these two clubs.
They haven’t even faced in the playoffs since 1985. But that could all change this season because both teams are off to hot starts. Also, it looks like they could be contenders once again. So far this season, the Royals have won five out of six games against their longtime rival from Missouri.
Kansas City Vs. St Louis City Data
The two biggest cities in Missouri are Kansas City and St. Louis. They are both great places to live, but there are some significant differences between them.
Some of the key data points for each city you can think about:
| Factor | Kansas City | St. Louis |
| Population | 508K | 293K |
| Median home price | $144,000 | $165,000 |
| Median household income | $61, 091 | $68,661 |
| Cost of living index | 87.9 | 95.3 |
| Average commute time | 21.8 minutes | 26.4 minutes |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.7% |
Kansas City Vs. St Louis Economy
As the two largest cities in Missouri, Kansas City and St. Louis have long been rivals. But when it comes to their economies, which city comes out on top?
For starters, let’s look at job growth.
In 2022, the economy of Kansas City is foreseen to be much stronger than that of St Louis. The unemployment rate in Kansas City is projected to be just 3.3%, compared to 3.7% in St Louis.
St. Louis median household income is also envisioned to be much higher, at $68,661, compared to just $61 091 in Kansas City. The cost of living in Kansas City is also predicted to be much lower than in St Louis, with housing costs being about 25% cheaper.
The main reason for the differences in economic outlook between the two cities is that Kansas City has been much more successful in attracting and retaining businesses.
In recent years, Kansas City has been able to attract several major employers, such as Google, Cerner, and Apple. These companies have brought thousands of jobs to the city and helped spur economic growth.
On the other hand, St Louis has seen several significant employers, such as Boeing and Monsanto, leave the city. It has led to a decline in the city’s economy.
The difference in economic outlook between the two cities is also due to the different policies each city has adopted. Kansas City has been much more welcoming to businesses. Likewise, this city has offered several incentives to companies that have relocated to the city.
St Louis, in contrast, has been much more hostile to businesses. It has raised taxes and regulations on businesses. It has also made it much less attractive for businesses in the city.
In conclusion, the economy of Kansas City is expected to be much stronger than that of St Louis in upcoming years for their job placements. It is since Kansas City has been much more successful in attracting and retaining businesses. The different policies each city has adopted have also played a role in the differences in the economic outlook.
Kansas City Vs. St Louis Size
Is Kansas City Larger Than St. Louis? Here is the answer:
The two major metropolitan areas in Missouri are Kansas City and St. Louis. Although both cities are in the state of Missouri, they couldn’t be more different from one another. One significant difference between these two cities is their size.
Kansas City is nearly twice the size of St. Louis, with a population of over 508K people. Alternatively, St. Louis has a population of just over 293K people. This difference in size is evident when you compare the two city’s skylines; St. Louis’s skyline is much more expansive than Kansas City’s. Another significant difference between these two Missouri metros is their location within the state.
Kansas City is in the western part of Missouri, bordering the states of Kansas and Nebraska. Then again, St. Louis is situated in the eastern part of the state near Illinois and Iowa. This geographical distinction means that each city has a unique culture and personality. For example, Kansas City is known for its barbecue. Similarly, St. Louis is famous for its Gateway Arch and Cardinals baseball team.
So, is Kansas City bigger than St Louis? In terms of population, St. Louis is the winner.
Kansas City Vs. St Louis Map
When it comes to choosing between Kansas City and St. Louis, there are a few key differences that may sway your decision. For starters, Kansas City is the larger of the two cities, with a population of over 508,394 compared to St. Louis’ 293,310. Kansas City is the clear choice if you’re looking for a more urban environment.
Both cities have their fair share of attractions but tend to cater to different interests. You’ll find tourist favorites in St. Louis, like the Gateway Arch and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour. Check out the Missouri Botanical Garden or Forest if you want something low-key Park.
In Kansas City, you can explore places like Union Station and Crown Center. Also, there are options to take in a show at one of the many performing arts venues downtown. Of course, no discussion of these two cities would be complete without mentioning their sports teams. St. Louis has baseball’s Cardinals and hockey’s Blues. Conversely, Kansas City boasts football’s Chiefs and baseball’s Royals.
Both cities have plenty to offer for an exciting night out or a leisurely weekend getaway!
Kansas City Vs. St Louis World Series
The Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals are two of the most successful teams in baseball history. They have both won a World Series championship. Additionally, they have both been to the playoffs numerous times. But which city is better when it comes to baseball?
Again, I cannot clarify the winner. Both cities have their unique advantages. Kansas City has a more modern stadium. On the contrary, St. Louis has more tradition and history. Both cities have passionate fans who love to see their favorite team wins.
Ultimately, it depends on what you want in a baseball experience. Kansas City is the place for you if you want a more modern stadium and newer facilities. St. Louis is the better choice for a team with more history and tradition. Whichever city you choose, you are sure to have a great time at the ballpark!
Is It Cheaper to Live in Kansas City or St. Louis?
You should not forget the cost of living, job availability, and salary. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Kansas City is about 9% cheaper than in St. Louis. Kansas City’s median home price is $144,000, while the median home price in St. Louis is $165,000.
The average rent for a single-bedroom apartment in Kansas City is $825, while the rate in St. Louis is $950. Job availability and salary will also play a role in deciding which city is cheaper. According to Indeed, the average salary in Kansas City is $61, 091 while the average salary in St. Louis is $68,661.
However, Kansas City’s job growth has declined over the past year. But the job growth in St. Louis has remained steady. So, overall, it seems that Kansas City is slightly cheaper than St Louis.
Is It Better to Live in Kansas or Missouri?
It depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Wherever you wish to be, you should go there.
Some people may prefer the climate, landscape, and lower cost of living of Kansas. Again, others may find Missouri’s cities more appealing and have better job prospects. Ultimately, it depends on the individual to decide which state is better for them to live in.
Are St. Louis And Kansas City Rivals?
Nobody can deny that St. Louis and Kansas City are two of the biggest cities in Missouri. But are they really rivals?
Some people will say yes, citing the long-standing competitive sports teams and intense local rivalries. Others will say no, pointing to the two cities’ proximity and shared cultural heritage.
Are St. Louis and Kansas City rivals? The answer is complicated. If you consider a rivalry to be a competition between two entities, they are rivals. They compete against each other in sports for over a century. Also, there is a sense of competition between the two cities.
While there may be some tension between the two cities, they also share a lot in common. They are both located in Missouri; they have similar cultures. They are also home to passionate fans of their respective sports teams.
Conclusion
In the United States, two Midwest rivals often compete against each other – Kansas City and St. Louis. Both cities have their unique history, culture, and attractions.
St. Louis might be a better choice if you’re interested in a city with a more vibrant nightlife and arts scene. Alternatively, Kansas City might be a better fit for a quieter setting with more outdoor activities.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. I hope you have relished reading this article.
The article repeatedly refers to Kansas City as being the larger city when clearly by population St. Louis is the larger city ie 2.2 M (St. Louis) is larger than 1.7 M (Kansas City). Confusing to keep seeing this statement.
The article has been edited. Thanks for your kind indications!