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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Arlington is 203% more expensive than Independence.

$2,275/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 53%
$140,160/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 58%
$864,800 ↑ 420%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 81%
$2,414/mo ↑ 131%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 57%
235,463
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,214/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $14,568/year.

Median household income is $80,680/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Independence — common questions

Is Arlington or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Independence?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,214/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Independence?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $80,680/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Independence details →

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