Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Independence, MO (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Tampa is 69% more expensive than Independence.

$1,567/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 32%
$71,302/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 17%
$375,300 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 56%
$1,553/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 33%
393,389
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $11,822/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Independence — common questions

Is Tampa or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Independence?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Independence?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $11,822/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Missouri?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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More Comparisons

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