Des Moines, IA vs Independence, MO: Cost of Living Comparison
Independence has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | Independence | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 71 | Independence |
| Housing | 53 ($738) | 48 ($743) | Independence |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Des Moines |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 80 ($328) | Independence |
| Utilities | 77 ($95) | 74 ($86) | Independence |
| Healthcare | 77 ($69) | 74 ($62) | Independence |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 99 ($47,800) | Independence |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines, IA or Independence, MO cheaper to live in?
Independence, MO is cheaper overall by about 4 index points (Des Moines, IA: 75, Independence, MO: 71; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA vs Independence, MO?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA and $24,850/year in Independence, MO to cover basic living costs.