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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Long Beach is 152% more expensive than Independence.

$1,803/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 41%
$83,969/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 29%
$762,200 ↑ 358%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 78%
$1,890/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 45%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $742/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,904/year.

Median household income is $24,489/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Independence — common questions

Is Long Beach or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Independence?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $742/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Independence?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $24,489/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Independence

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor