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

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Independence is 50% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,061/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 83%
$59,480/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 131%
$166,400 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 144%
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 88%
121,944
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $78,031/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Independence or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $78,031/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Independence or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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