Cost of Living in Independence, KS
Population 8,469 · Kansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Independence a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $79,000.
Geographically, Independence lies roughly 75 miles north of the nearest major metro, Tulsa. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Tulsa's $190,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Independence
The median home value in Independence is $78,500 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $790/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,164/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kansas's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 8.6%. Overall, Independence has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% less expensive.
Independence has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Independence, KS?
Independence has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.
What is average rent in Independence, KS?
The median gross rent in Independence is $790 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $78,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Independence?
The median household income in Independence is $49,164 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Independence, KS?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Independence is 8.6%. The Kansas state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Independence, KS affordable?
Yes, Independence is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.
Independence at a Glance
- Population
- 8,469
- Median Income
- $49,164
- Home Value
- $78,500
- Median Rent
- $790/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kansas Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs