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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Oakland is 191% more expensive than Independence.

$1,917/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 45%
$97,369/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 39%
$924,700 ↑ 456%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 82%
$2,164/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 52%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $37,889/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Independence — common questions

Is Oakland or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Independence?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Independence?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $37,889/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Independence details →

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