Chesterfield, MO vs Independence, MO

The cost of living difference between Chesterfield, MO and Independence, MO is dramatic. Independence is 50.3% cheaper than Chesterfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chesterfield has a cost index of 118 while Independence sits at 78, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chesterfield is $1,553/month compared to $1,061/month in Independence — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Independence is more affordable at $166,400 median vs $458,000.

Median household income in Chesterfield is $133,380 compared to $59,480 in Independence (+124.2%). While Chesterfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chesterfield spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 21.4% in Independence.