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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Houston is 31% more expensive than Independence.

$1,313/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 19%
$62,894/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 5%
$253,400 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 34%
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 21%
2,300,419
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $3,414/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Independence — common questions

Is Houston or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Independence?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Independence?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $3,414/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Independence details →

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