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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Sacramento is 97% more expensive than Independence.

$1,694/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 37%
$83,753/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 29%
$484,600 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 66%
$1,752/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $24,273/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Independence — common questions

Is Sacramento or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Independence?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Independence?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $24,273/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Independence details →

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