Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Independence, MO (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Austin is 100% more expensive than Independence.

$1,655/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 36%
$91,461/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 35%
$512,700 ↑ 208%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 68%
$1,747/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
967,862
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $31,981/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Independence — common questions

Is Austin or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Independence?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Independence?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $31,981/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Independence details →

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