Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Independence, MO (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Tempe is 79% more expensive than Independence.

$1,623/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 35%
$77,643/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 23%
$421,900 ↑ 154%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 61%
$1,554/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 33%
186,419
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $18,163/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Independence — common questions

Is Tempe or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Independence?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Independence?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $18,163/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Independence details →

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