📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Lee's Summit and Phoenix
Head-to-Head Analysis
Lee's Summit vs Phoenix
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Lee's Summit | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $100,625 | $79,664 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4% | 4.1% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $380,000 | $457,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $167 | $278 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $886 | $1,599 |
| Housing Cost Index | 88.1 | 124.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.0 | 98.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 691.8 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 33.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 28 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're looking at two cities that couldn't be more different if they tried. On one side, you've got Phoenix—the sprawling, sun-drenched desert metropolis that’s a magnet for transplants. On the other, Lee's Summit—a tight-knit, family-friendly suburb of Kansas City that feels like a step back in time (in the best way).
Choosing between them isn't about which is "better." It's about which fits your life. Are you chasing career growth and nightlife, or are you prioritizing safety, space, and a slower pace?
Let's break it down, head-to-head.
The Vibe Check: Desert Hustle vs. Heartland Haven
Phoenix is a big league player. It’s the 5th largest city in the U.S. for a reason. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly optimistic. Think: sprawling suburbs, a booming downtown, professional sports, world-class golf, and a nightlife that kicks off at 10 PM. It’s a city for go-getters, entrepreneurs, and anyone who craves constant action and endless sunshine. The culture is a blend of Southwestern flair, high-tech innovation (thanks to the "Silicon Desert"), and a massive retiree community.
Lee's Summit is the definition of Midwestern charm. With a population of just over 100,000, it feels like a community, not a concrete jungle. It’s a classic suburb where people put down roots, know their neighbors, and prioritize school districts and weekend barbecues. The pace is steady, the people are friendly, and the focus is on family and quality of life. It’s a haven for those who want big-city amenities (hello, Kansas City is right next door) without the big-city chaos.
Who is it for?
- Phoenix: Young professionals, sun-seekers, career climbers, and active retirees who want to stay busy.
- Lee's Summit: Families, stability-seekers, remote workers, and anyone who values community over constant stimulation.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn a higher salary in Phoenix, but your money might not go as far. Let's look at the raw numbers.
We'll use a hypothetical salary of $100,000 to illustrate purchasing power.
| Expense Category | Phoenix (AZ) | Lee's Summit (MO) | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $457,000 | $380,000 | Phoenix is 20% more expensive to buy a home. |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,599 | $886 | Rent in Phoenix is nearly double the cost. |
| Housing Index | 124.3 | 88.1 | A clear measure: Phoenix is 24% above national average; Lee's Summit is 12% below. |
| Median Income | $79,664 | $100,625 | Lee's Summit residents earn 26% more on average. |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's say you earn $100,000.
In Lee's Summit, your $100,000 feels like a king's ransom. With a median home price of $380,000, you're looking at a comfortable mortgage. Your rent of $886 leaves massive room for savings. Your purchasing power is high.
In Phoenix, that same $100,000 feels... fine, but tight. With a median home price of $457,000, your housing costs are significantly higher. That $1,599 rent is a big chunk of your paycheck. While you have more job opportunities in Phoenix, you're spending more just to live there.
Taxes: This is a huge factor. Missouri (Lee's Summit) has a progressive income tax, topping out at 5.4%. Arizona (Phoenix) has a flat income tax of 2.5%. While AZ seems lower, you have to factor in the significantly higher cost of living. Often, the lower tax doesn't make up for the 20-30% higher housing costs.
💰 Verdict on Dollar Power:
Lee's Summit wins, and it's not close. You get a higher median income and dramatically lower costs. Your money simply buys more peace of mind, space, and savings here.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Phoenix: A Seller's Market with High Stakes
Phoenix has been one of the hottest housing markets in the country for years. It's competitive. Bidding wars are common, and inventory moves fast. While prices have cooled slightly from their peak, they remain high. Renting is the only option for many, but it's expensive. If you're buying, you need a solid down payment and a competitive offer. The "American Dream" of a white picket fence comes with a hefty price tag.
Lee's Summit: A Stable Buyer's Market
Lee's Summit is a stable, family-oriented market. It's not experiencing the wild volatility of Phoenix. Inventory is more reasonable, and you can actually take your time to find the right home without getting into a bidding war. Renting is incredibly affordable, making it a great place to live while you save up to buy. The barrier to entry for homeownership is significantly lower.
🏠 Verdict on Housing:
Lee's Summit wins for affordability and stability. It's a much more accessible market for first-time homebuyers. Phoenix is for those who are already established or willing to stretch their budget for the location.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Phoenix: Brutal. You're dealing with the "Valley of the Sun" sprawl. Commutes can easily be 45-60 minutes one way, even without an accident. Traffic is a daily reality.
- Lee's Summit: A breeze. As a suburb, commutes to Kansas City are straightforward (typically 20-30 minutes). Traffic is minimal within the city itself. You spend less time in your car and more time at home.
Weather: The Ultimate Divider
- Phoenix: 55.0°F is the average annual temperature, but that's misleading. It's a tale of two seasons: an endless, glorious winter (70s and 80s) and a brutal, furnace-like summer (regularly 110°F+). The heat is intense, dry, and lasts for months. You live indoors from June to September. No humidity, but the heat is a fundamental lifestyle factor.
- Lee's Summit: 36.0°F average. This is classic Midwest. You get four distinct seasons: beautiful springs, hot and humid summers, stunning autumns, and cold, sometimes snowy winters. If you hate humidity, summer in Missouri can be tough. If you hate shoveling snow, winter is a chore. It's a trade-off, but you get variety.
Crime & Safety
- Phoenix: The violent crime rate is 691.8 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any major metro, safety varies wildly by neighborhood. You must do your research.
- Lee's Summit: The violent crime rate is 234.0 per 100,000. This is below the national average. It's consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the Kansas City metro. This is a massive selling point for families.
🛡️ Verdict on Quality of Life:
Lee's Summit wins decisively on safety and commute. The weather is a personal preference, but the data shows Lee's Summit is a safer, less stressful place to live day-to-day.
The Final Verdict
After crunching the data and feeling the vibes, here’s the final showdown.
- 🏆 Winner for Families: Lee's Summit. The superior school districts, lower cost of living, safer environment, and strong community focus make it a no-brainer for raising kids. You can afford a bigger house in a great neighborhood.
- 🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Phoenix. The sheer scale of the job market (especially in tech, healthcare, and finance), the endless networking events, the nightlife, and the social scene are unmatched. It's a city of opportunity if you can handle the competition and cost.
- 🏆 Winner for Retirees: It's a Tie, but for different reasons.
- Phoenix wins for active retirees who want to golf year-round, play pickleball, and never shovel snow. The dry heat is a blessing for some arthritis sufferers.
- Lee's Summit wins for budget-conscious retirees who want to stretch their nest egg, enjoy four seasons, and be part of a tight-knit community with easy access to KC's cultural amenities.
Quick Glance: Pros & Cons
Phoenix, AZ
- Pros:
- 300+ days of sunshine and no snow.
- Massive, diverse job market.
- World-class golf, resorts, and outdoor recreation (hiking, boating).
- Growing arts and food scene.
- No state income tax on Social Security (for retirees).
- Cons:
- Brutal summer heat (110°F+ is normal).
- High cost of living, especially housing.
- Brutal traffic and sprawl.
- Higher crime rates.
- Water scarcity is a long-term concern.
Lee's Summit, MO
- Pros:
- Extremely affordable cost of living.
- Very safe with low crime rates.
- Excellent public schools.
- Strong, stable community vibe.
- Easy commute to Kansas City's amenities.
- Four distinct seasons.
- Cons:
- Cold, snowy winters and humid summers.
- Smaller city with a quieter social scene.
- Fewer major corporate HQs (less job competition).
- Can feel "sleepy" if you're used to a big city.
- State income tax.
The Bottom Line:
If your priority is career growth, sunshine, and an action-packed lifestyle and you have the budget to match, Phoenix is calling your name.
If your priority is safety, affordability, community, and a stable place to put down roots, Lee's Summit is the clear, data-backed winner. It’s where your dollar goes further, your kids can play safely, and you can build a life without constant financial stress.
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Lee's Summit to Phoenix.