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

Independence

Missouri
67
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Independence is 52% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,061/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 69%
$59,480/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 138%
$166,400 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 188%
$1,046/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 92%
121,944
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Independence, MO and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $731/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,772/year.

Median household income is $81,873/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Independence is $166,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Independence vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Independence or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Independence and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Independence is $1,061/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $731/month.
Which city has higher income, Independence or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $81,873/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Independence has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,061/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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