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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Atlanta is 82% more expensive than Independence.

$1,617/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 34%
$81,938/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 27%
$420,600 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 60%
$1,695/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $22,458/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Independence — common questions

Is Atlanta or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Independence?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Independence?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $22,458/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Independence

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor