Independence, MO vs St. Charles, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Independence is 15% cheaper than St. Charles. With a cost index of 78 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Independence to St. Charles should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Independence is $1,061/month compared to $1,186/month in St. Charles — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Independence is more affordable at $166,400 median vs $280,800.

Median household income in Independence is $59,480 compared to $85,522 in St. Charles (-30.5%). While St. Charles is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Independence spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.6% in St. Charles.