Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fort Lauderdale is 97% more expensive than Independence.

$1,776/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 40%
$79,935/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 26%
$455,600 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 63%
$1,778/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 41%
183,032
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $20,455/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Independence — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Independence?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Independence?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $20,455/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Missouri?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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