Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Lancaster is 85% more expensive than Independence.

$1,696/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 37%
$76,083/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 22%
$409,100 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 59%
$1,746/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
170,013
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $635/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $7,620/year.

Median household income is $16,603/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Independence — common questions

Is Lancaster or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Independence?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $635/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Independence?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $16,603/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Independence

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor