Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Independence, MO (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Nashville is 64% more expensive than Independence.

$1,486/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 29%
$75,197/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 21%
$383,100 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 57%
$1,471/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
684,298
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $15,717/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Independence — common questions

Is Nashville or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Independence?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Independence?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $15,717/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Missouri?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Independence details →

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