Cost of Living in Independence, MO
Population 121,944 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Independence lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $166,000 — 45% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Missouri. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
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 $166,400 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,061/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,480/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Independence has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO?
Independence has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Independence, MO?
The median gross rent in Independence is $1,061 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $166,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Independence?
The median household income in Independence is $59,480 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Independence, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Independence is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Independence, MO affordable?
Yes, Independence is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
Independence at a Glance
- Population
- 121,944
- Median Income
- $59,480
- Home Value
- $166,400
- Median Rent
- $1,061/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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