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

College Station

Texas

Independence

Missouri

College Station is 24% more expensive than Independence.

$1,168/mo ↑ 10%

Median Rent

$1,061/mo ↓ 9%

$51,776/yr ↓ 13%

Median Income

$59,480/yr ↑ 15%

$326,500 ↑ 96%

Home Value

$166,400 ↓ 49%

$1,251/mo ↑ 20%

Owner Costs

$1,046/mo ↓ 16%

122,280

Population

121,944

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

4.95%

6.25%

Sales Tax

4.225%

1.6%

Property Tax

0.93%

Affordability

27.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.4%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $7,704/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Independence — common questions

Is College Station or Independence cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 91 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between College Station and Independence?

Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $107/month.

Which city has higher income, College Station or Independence?

Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $7,704/year higher in Independence.

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 College Station or Independence?

It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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.