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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Ontario is 127% more expensive than Independence.

$1,916/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 45%
$82,806/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 28%
$568,000 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 71%
$1,967/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 47%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $23,326/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Independence — common questions

Is Ontario or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Independence?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Independence?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $23,326/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Independence

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor