Median rent is 40% lower in Independence ($1,061/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Independence, where the median home runs $166,400 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $59,480 a year).
City A
Independence, MO
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Independence, MO?
A cost-of-living index isn't available for one of these cities yet, so we can't compute an equivalent salary.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Independence
Missouri
New York
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Independence — median rent of $1,061/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $166,400 in Independence — 78% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Missouri's top income tax rate is 4.80% versus 10.90% in New York, so Independence is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.22% in Missouri and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Independence
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Independence.
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Independence if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,061/mo median).
Pick Independence if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.80%).
Is Independence cheaper than New York?
Cost of living index data is not yet available for one or both cities.
How much is rent in Independence vs New York?
Median rent is $1,061/mo in Independence, MO and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Independence, MO has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Independence or New York?
Median household income is $59,480 in Independence, MO and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Independence or New York?
Missouri's top income tax rate is 4.80% and New York's is 10.90%. Independence, MO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Independence income?
RPP data needed for salary equivalence calculation is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology