Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Independence, MO (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

St. Louis and Independence have a similar cost of living.

$978/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 8%
$55,279/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 8%
$185,100 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 10%
$1,013/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 3%
293,109
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $4,201/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Independence — common questions

Is St. Louis or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Independence?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Independence?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $4,201/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Missouri?
Both cities are in Missouri and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Independence details →

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