Independence, MO vs Kansas City, MO: Cost of Living Comparison
Independence has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Independence | Kansas City | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 71 | 81 | Independence |
| Housing | 48 ($743) | 65 ($830) | Independence |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Kansas City |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 90 ($369) | Independence |
| Utilities | 74 ($86) | 83 ($117) | Independence |
| Healthcare | 74 ($62) | 83 ($85) | Independence |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,800) | 99 ($47,800) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Independence, MO or Kansas City, MO cheaper to live in?
Independence, MO is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Independence, MO: 71, Kansas City, MO: 81; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Independence, MO vs Kansas City, MO?
A single adult needs roughly $24,850/year in Independence, MO and $28,350/year in Kansas City, MO to cover basic living costs.