Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fresno is 51% more expensive than Independence.

$1,324/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 20%
$66,804/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 11%
$348,500 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 52%
$1,391/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
543,615
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $7,324/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Independence — common questions

Is Fresno or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Independence?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Independence?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $7,324/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Independence details →

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