Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Independence, MO (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Kansas City and Independence have a similar cost of living.

$1,073/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 1%
$59,183/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$59,480/yr ≈ Same
$147,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$166,400 ↑ 13%
$1,054/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ≈ Same
154,776
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $297/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Independence — common questions

Is Kansas City or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Independence?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Independence?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $297/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Missouri?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Independence details →

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