Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Bellevue is 273% more expensive than Independence.

$2,505/mo ↑ 136%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 58%
$161,300/yr ↑ 171%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 63%
$1,203,100 ↑ 623%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 86%
$2,586/mo ↑ 147%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 60%
151,199
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,444/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $17,328/year.

Median household income is $101,820/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Independence — common questions

Is Bellevue or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Independence?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,444/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Independence?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $101,820/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Independence details →

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