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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Los Angeles is 179% more expensive than Independence.

$1,879/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 44%
$80,366/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 26%
$879,500 ↑ 429%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 81%
$2,055/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 49%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $818/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $9,816/year.

Median household income is $20,886/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Independence — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Independence?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $818/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Independence?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $20,886/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Independence details →

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