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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Huntington Beach is 239% more expensive than Independence.

$2,424/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 56%
$119,885/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 50%
$1,047,300 ↑ 529%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 84%
$2,436/mo ↑ 133%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 57%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,363/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $16,356/year.

Median household income is $60,405/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Independence — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Independence?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,363/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Independence?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $60,405/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Independence details →

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