Cost of Living: Port St. Lucie, FL vs Independence, MO (2026)

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Port St. Lucie is 69% more expensive than Independence.

$1,781/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 40%
$78,137/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 24%
$327,700 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 49%
$1,507/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 31%
220,453
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Port St. Lucie, FL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $18,657/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Port St. Lucie is $327,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Port St. Lucie vs Independence — common questions

Is Port St. Lucie or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Port St. Lucie and Independence?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,781/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Port St. Lucie or Independence?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $18,657/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Missouri?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Port St. Lucie or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,781/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 Port St. Lucie details → View Independence details →

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