Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Independence, MO (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Salt Lake City is 75% more expensive than Independence.

$1,343/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 21%
$74,925/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 21%
$495,700 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 66%
$1,394/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
203,888
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $15,445/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Independence — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Independence?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Independence?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $15,445/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Missouri?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Independence details →

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