Bellevue, IA vs Independence, IA

Independence is moderately more affordable than Bellevue, with a 8.1% lower cost of living index. Bellevue scores 73 compared to 68 for Independence, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bellevue can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellevue is $826/month compared to $769/month in Independence — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Independence is more affordable at $156,900 median vs $210,500.

Median household income in Bellevue is $78,792 compared to $72,250 in Independence (+9.1%). While Bellevue is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellevue spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, less than the 12.8% in Independence.