Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Independence, MO (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Mesa is 60% more expensive than Independence.

$1,478/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 28%
$78,779/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 24%
$364,300 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 54%
$1,404/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
507,478
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $19,299/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Independence — common questions

Is Mesa or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Independence?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Independence?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $19,299/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Independence details →

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