Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs Independence, MO (2026)

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

El Paso and Independence have a similar cost of living.

$1,041/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 2%
$58,734/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 1%
$171,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 3%
$1,044/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ≈ Same
678,147
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $746/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Independence — common questions

Is El Paso or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Independence?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Independence?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $746/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 El Paso or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and Independence

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