Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Independence, MO (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Columbus is 24% more expensive than Independence.

$1,224/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 13%
$65,327/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 9%
$234,500 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 29%
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
906,480
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $5,847/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Independence — common questions

Is Columbus or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Independence?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Independence?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $5,847/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Missouri?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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