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

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Kansas City is 19% more expensive than Independence.

$1,186/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 11%
$67,449/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 12%
$227,000 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 27%
$1,205/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 13%
508,233
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $7,969/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Independence — common questions

Is Kansas City or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Independence?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Independence?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $7,969/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Missouri?
Both cities are in Missouri and share the same state tax rates: 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 80 with median rent of $1,186/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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