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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Independence, KY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Cincinnati, OH area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.4K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN area
Overall Cost
↑ 14.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,114
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.4K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Independence, KY

Population:30K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$322K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:115
Median Home:$512K

Independence, KY

The Bluegrass State

30K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 30K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Research Triangle
  • •State capital
  • •Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Independence, KY vs Raleigh, NC

🏠Housing
↑ 39.0%
Independence, KY
$1,776
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$693
more
📦Other
↑ 12.0%
Independence, KY
$1,525
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$182
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 11.3%
Independence, KY
$1,154
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$130
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 20.8%
Independence, KY
$452
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$93.97
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 7.1%
Independence, KY
$896
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$63.73
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 9.4%
Independence, KY
$549
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$51.75
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$887
To$1,570
↑ $683
1 Bed
From$968
To$1,640
↑ $672
2 Bed
From$1,250
To$1,800
↑ $550
3 Bed
From$1,654
To$2,255
↑ $601
Independence, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,200–$1,200/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,352
Monthly in Independence, KY
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$1,215
Difference

Home Values

Independence
Raleigh
$322K
Median Value
$512K
↑ +3.4%
YoY Change
↓ -0.5%
↑ +34.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +38.2%
$322K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 59% more expensive than Independence

Calculate payment - IndependenceCalculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $375
Per year
Monthly Difference
$31.25
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

Independence, KY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kentucky State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Independence, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Independence
Raleigh
52 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
44.8%
Good Air Days
61.7%
96 High
Climate Risk
96 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
29 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
29 days
Heat Days >95°F
31 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kentucky and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

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