Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Athens is 24% more expensive than Independence.

$1,162/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 9%
$51,655/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 15%
$271,800 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 39%
$1,163/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 10%
126,987
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $7,825/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Independence — common questions

Is Athens or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Independence?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Independence?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $7,825/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Missouri?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Independence

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor