Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Boston is 163% more expensive than Independence.

$2,093/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 37%
$710,400 ↑ 327%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 77%
$2,176/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,032/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $12,384/year.

Median household income is $35,275/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Independence — common questions

Is Boston or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Independence?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,032/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Independence?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $35,275/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Missouri?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Independence details →

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