Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Independence, MO (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

West Valley City is 63% more expensive than Independence.

$1,445/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 27%
$88,604/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 33%
$377,300 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 56%
$1,473/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
137,955
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

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $29,124/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Independence — common questions

Is West Valley 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Independence?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Independence?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $29,124/year higher in West Valley 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 West Valley City or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/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 West Valley City details → View Independence details →

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