Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Alexandria is 106% more expensive than Independence.

$2,031/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 48%
$113,638/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 48%
$696,800 ↑ 319%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 76%
$2,173/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 52%
156,788
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $54,158/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Independence — common questions

Is Alexandria or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Independence?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Independence?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $54,158/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Missouri?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Independence details →