Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Independence, MO (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Raleigh is 64% more expensive than Independence.

$1,468/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 28%
$82,424/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 28%
$377,800 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 56%
$1,487/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 30%
470,763
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $22,944/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Independence — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 Raleigh and Independence?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Independence?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $22,944/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Independence

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor