Is Austin, TX cheaper than Independence, MO?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 18.1% more expensive than Independence, MO. This translates to spending an extra $1359 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Independence, MO?

If you earn $150,000 in Independence, MO, you'd need approximately $166,313.995 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Independence, MO and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 57.2% more expensive than in Independence, MO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,013/month in Independence, MO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Independence, MO to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $1359 more per month than Independence, MO, or $16314 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Independence, MO vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Independence, MO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Kansas City, MO area

Current salary in Independence, MO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.3K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area

Overall Cost

↑ 18.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,359

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$16.3K

Per year

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

Independence, MO

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$217K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:118

Median Home:$558K

Independence, MO

The Show-Me State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Independence, MO vs Austin, TX

Category	Independence, MO	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,835/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $1,049more	57.2%
📦Other	$1,557/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $184more	11.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,178/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $106more	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$934/mo	$959/mo	↑ $24.91more	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$527/mo	$541/mo	↑ $13.88more	2.6%
🏥Healthcare	$598/mo	$589/mo	↓ $9.05less	1.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 57.2%

Independence, MO

$1,835

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,049

📦Other

↑ 11.8%

Independence, MO

$1,557

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$184

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.0%

Independence, MO

$1,178

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$106

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Independence, MO

$934

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$24.91

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.6%

Independence, MO

$527

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$13.88

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.5%

Independence, MO

$598

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$9.05

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$815

To$1,585

↑ $770

1 Bed

From$889

To$1,685

↑ $796

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,995

↑ $982

3 Bed

From$1,318

To$2,525

↑ $1,207

Independence, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,250/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$6,629

Monthly in Independence, MO

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,369

Difference

Home Values

Independence

Austin

$217K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +41.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$115K - $282K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 157% more expensive than Independence

Calculate payment - Independence Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$661

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.3%

Rate difference

Independence, MO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Missouri State Tax

Effective: 5.3%

$7.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$44.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,755/month

$105.1K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Independence, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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

Austin

46 Good

Air Quality

52 Moderate

59.3%

Good Air Days

42.6%

97 High

Climate Risk

98 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.5°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

98 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.5°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Missouri and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Independence, MO on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Austin, TX

Independence, MO

Austin, TX

Independence, MO

Austin, TX

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code7 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code40 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP7 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP39 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Independence, MO

Austin, TX

Additional Tax Information

Independence, MO Tax Rates

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Austin, TX