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

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Gainesville is 21% more expensive than Independence.

$1,214/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 13%
$45,611/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 30%
$235,000 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 29%
$1,167/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 10%
143,611
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $13,869/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Independence — common questions

Is Gainesville or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Independence?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Independence?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $13,869/year higher in Independence.
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 Gainesville or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/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 Gainesville details → View Independence details →

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