Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Independence, MO (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Arvada is 85% more expensive than Independence.

$1,802/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 41%
$113,396/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 48%
$600,800 ↑ 261%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 72%
$1,948/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 46%
122,835
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
Sales Tax
4.225%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $741/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,892/year.

Median household income is $53,916/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Independence — common questions

Is Arvada or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Independence?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $741/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Independence?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $53,916/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Missouri?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Independence details →