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

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Independence is 36% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,061/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 45%
$59,480/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 8%
$166,400 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 96%
$1,046/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 35%
121,944
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $4,960/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Independence or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and Clearwater?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or Clearwater?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $4,960/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Florida?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Independence or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Independence details → View Clearwater details →

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