Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Independence, MO?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 11.2% more expensive than Independence, MO. This translates to spending an extra $843 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Independence, MO?

If you earn $150,000 in Independence, MO, you'd need approximately $160,120.947 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Independence, MO and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 34.5% more expensive than in Independence, MO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,013/month in Independence, MO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Independence, MO to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $843 more per month than Independence, MO, or $10121 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Independence, MO vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

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 $843/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.1K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 11.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$843

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.1K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$512K

Independence, MO

The Show-Me State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 121K 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, MO vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Independence, MO	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,835/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $633more	34.5%
📦Other	$1,557/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $151more	9.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,178/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $106more	9.0%
🛒Groceries	$934/mo	$959/mo	↑ $24.91more	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$527/mo	$546/mo	↑ $19.34more	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$598/mo	$601/mo	↑ $3.34more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 34.5%

Independence, MO

$1,835

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$633

📦Other

↑ 9.7%

Independence, MO

$1,557

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$151

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.0%

Independence, MO

$1,178

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$106

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Independence, MO

$934

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$24.91

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.7%

Independence, MO

$527

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$19.34

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.6%

Independence, MO

$598

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$3.34

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$815

To$1,570

↑ $755

1 Bed

From$889

To$1,640

↑ $751

2 Bed

From$1,013

To$1,800

↑ $787

3 Bed

From$1,318

To$2,255

↑ $937

Independence, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,250/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.

$6,629

Monthly in Independence, MO

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$938

Difference

Home Values

Independence

Raleigh

$217K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +41.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$115K - $282K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 136% more expensive than Independence

Calculate payment - Independence Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $804

Per year

Monthly Difference

$67.00

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

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

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, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.0%

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

46 Good

Air Quality

46 Good

59.3%

Good Air Days

61.7%

97 High

Climate Risk

96 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.8°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

31 days

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

Where your money goes further

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

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TX Denver, CO Nashville, TN

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd spend $843/month more in Raleigh, NC

Independence, MO

Raleigh, NC

Independence, MO

Raleigh, NC

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code7 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code14 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP7 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP14 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Independence, MO

Raleigh, NC

Additional Tax Information

Independence, MO Tax Rates

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC