Kansas City, MO, is a welcoming city with its jazz history, Kansas City-style barbeque, art museums, and views of the Missouri River. The city is home to about 510,000 residents, so there’s no shortage of hidden gems and popular places to explore in Kansas City.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Kansas City, but the average rent for a studio is $1,012, and a one-bedroom apartment is $1,210, you might be wondering where to find more affordable options. ApartmentGuide has done the research and found the 9 most affordable neighborhoods in Kansas City to rent this year.
9 Affordable Neighborhoods in Kansas City, MO
From historic Scarritt Point to charming Quality Hill, these Kansas City neighborhoods offer apartments within your budget. Let’s explore the hidden gems of Kansas City’s rental market.
1. Scarritt Point
2. Quality Hill
3. Santa Fe Hills
4. Waldo
5. Northeast Kansas City
6. Broadway Gillham
7. Northland
8. South Plaza
9. Country Club Plaza
Read on to see what each neighborhood has to offer its residents.
1. Scarritt Point
Average studio rent: $645
Average 1-bedroom rent: $695
Apartments for rent in Scarritt Point
Scarritt Point is the most affordable neighborhood in Kansas City. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $695, nearly half the price of the city’s average. There are plenty of reasons to love living in Scarritt Point, from attractions like the Kansas City Museum and the Colonnade to green spaces like Kessler Park and Cliff Drive Scenic Byway. If you’re looking for a taste of the neighborhood, there are a variety of local restaurants to explore along Independence Avenue, showcasing Kansas City’s food scene.
2. Quality Hill
Average studio rent: $702
Average 1-bedroom rent: $772
Apartments for rent in Quality Hill
Quality Hill is a historic area that’s just west of downtown Kansas City. This affordable neighborhood has lots of landmarks, such as The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Ermine Case Junior Park. It’s also close to popular attractions like the Kansas City Convention Center, T-Mobile Center, and the Kansas City Power and Light Building. Quality Hill is home to many local bars and restaurants, making it an awesome area to explore the city.
3. Santa Fe Hills
Average studio rent: $789
Average 1-bedroom rent: $827
Apartments for rent in Santa Fe Hills
With an average one-bedroom rent of $827, Santa Fe Hills is the third-most affordable neighborhood in Kansas City. This neighborhood is an excellent option to consider if you’re looking for a more residential feeling that’s farther from the city. There are plenty of green spaces nearby such as Legacy West Park and Indian Creek Greenway.
4. Waldo
Average studio rent: $789
Average 1-bedroom rent: $827
Apartments for rent in Waldo
Waldo is the fourth-most affordable neighborhood in Kansas City, located along the Kansas-Missouri border. This neighborhood is a great option if you’re looking for access to plenty of shops and restaurants. You can find a lot of places along West 75th Street and Wornal Road, like Waldo Pizza, Jovito’s Italian Café & Deli, and Bōru Asian Eatery.
5. Northeast Kansas City
Average studio rent: $789
Average 1-bedroom rent: $900
Apartments for rent in Northeast Kansas City
Just about 5 miles from downtown, Northeast Kansas City is a stellar neighborhood if you want to live close to downtown. It’s also a great area if you commute to work, as there are a few bus stops and many major roadways. Northeast Kansas City is a large area encompassing smaller neighborhoods, like Scarritt Point, so you’ll find plenty of attractions. Make sure to check out Knuckleheads, Kessler Park, and the Kansas City Museum, among many others.
6. Broadway Gillham
Average studio rent: $675
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,000
Apartments for rent in Broadway Gillham
Next up is Broadway Gillham, the sixth-most affordable neighborhood in Kansas City. Broadway Gillham has a charming residential atmosphere near lots of cafes and restaurants. Make sure to enjoy the outdoors at Penn Valley Park, visit the Money Museum, or grab a meal at one of the neighborhood restaurants along East 31st Street. There’s something for everyone living in Broadway Gillham.
7. Northland
Average studio rent: $765
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,082
Apartments for rent in Northland
North of downtown, Northland is the seventh-most affordable neighborhood in Kansas City. Northland has a friendly atmosphere and community feeling, with plenty of local cafes, restaurants, parks, and green spaces. Make sure to explore Hodge Park and Shoal Creek Living History Museum, Platte Purchase Park, and Amity Woods Nature Park. The neighborhood is also close to the Kansas City International Airport, making it easy to travel.
8. South Plaza
Average studio rent: $955
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,110
Apartments for rent in South Plaza
South Plaza is the eighth spot on our list, a quaint neighborhood just south of Brush Creek. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is roughly $1,110, making South Plaza a great option. It’s about 3 miles from Downtown, so you’ll have the best city life without living in the city center. It’s close to Country Club Plaza, a famous shopping center. You can also visit Jacob L. Loose Park or The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures if you decide to rent in South Plaza.
9. Country Club Plaza
Average studio rent: $1,000
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,165
Apartments for rent in Country Club Plaza
A well-known Kansas City neighborhood, Country Club Plaza is the next area. Country Club Plaza is home to the popular Country Club Plaza shopping center, meaning there’s plenty to do throughout the week. You’ll find several historic buildings in Country Club Plaza and parks like Mill Creek Park, so make sure to explore the area’s charm. If you need to commute to work, several bus stops and freeways are nearby.
Methodology: Affordability based on whether a neighborhood has average studio and 1-bedroom rent prices under the city’s average. Average rental data from Rent.com in March 2024.