Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Independence, MO (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Chicago is 49% more expensive than Independence.

$1,380/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 23%
$75,134/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 21%
$315,200 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 47%
$1,502/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 30%
2,707,648
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $15,654/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Independence — common questions

Is Chicago or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Independence?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Independence?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $15,654/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Missouri?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Independence details →

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