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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Modesto is 79% more expensive than Independence.

$1,609/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 24%
$415,600 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 60%
$1,613/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 35%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $548/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,576/year.

Median household income is $18,419/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Independence — common questions

Is Modesto or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Independence?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $548/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Independence?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $18,419/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Independence details →

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