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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

San Francisco is 299% more expensive than Independence.

$2,419/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 56%
$141,446/yr ↑ 138%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 58%
$1,380,500 ↑ 730%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 88%
$2,620/mo ↑ 150%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 60%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,358/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $16,296/year.

Median household income is $81,966/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Independence — common questions

Is San Francisco or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Independence?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $1,358/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Independence?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $81,966/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Independence details →

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