Studio Apartment Rent in Independence, MO
Median asking rent for a studio apartment in Independence, Missouri as of July 2026. That's +29% lower than the citywide median of $1,378 and +24% below the national studio median of $1,290.
Income needed for a studio in Independence
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a studio at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Independence
Compare Independence's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a studio in Missouri
| # | City | Studio rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kirksville | $610 |
| 2 | Jefferson City | $660 |
| 3 | Rolla | $680 |
| 4 | Bolivar | $690 |
| 5 | Columbia | $697 |
| 6 | Sedalia | $700 |
| 7 | Fulton | $730 |
| 8 | Cape Girardeau | $750 |
| 9 | Waynesville | $750 |
| 10 | Saint Robert | $760 |
| 11 | Knob Noster | $780 |
| 12 | Branson | $790 |
| 13 | Springfield | $793 |
| 14 | Joplin | $835 |
| 15 | Jennings | $840 |
Most expensive cities for a studio in Missouri
| # | City | Studio rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clayton | $1,360 |
| 2 | Brentwood | $1,300 |
| 3 | Creve Coeur | $1,280 |
| 4 | Chesterfield | $1,280 |
| 5 | Ballwin | $1,275 |
| 6 | Raymore | $1,230 |
| 7 | Lake Saint Louis | $1,230 |
| 8 | Lees Summit | $1,224 |
| 9 | Grain Valley | $1,170 |
| 10 | Belton | $1,160 |
| 11 | Kirkwood | $1,140 |
| 12 | O Fallon | $1,135 |
| 13 | Olivette | $1,130 |
| 14 | Saint Charles | $1,123 |
| 15 | Mehlville | $1,122 |
Nearby cities — studio rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 3 of these cities have cheaper studio rents than Independence.
| City | Distance | Studio rent | vs Independence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raytown, MO | 8.3 mi | $970 | $-5 (-1%) |
| Blue Springs, MO | 9.3 mi | $1,075 | +$100 (+10%) |
| Liberty, MO | 11.7 mi | $980 | +$5 (+1%) |
| Kansas City, MO | 11.8 mi | $1,113 | +$138 (+14%) |
| Lees Summit, MO | 12.6 mi | $1,224 | +$249 (+26%) |
| North Kansas City, MO | 12.9 mi | $1,008 | +$33 (+3%) |
| Grain Valley, MO | 13.5 mi | $1,170 | +$195 (+20%) |
| Gladstone, MO | 15.1 mi | $1,050 | +$75 (+8%) |
| Grandview, MO | 16.9 mi | $890 | $-85 (-9%) |
| Prairie Village, KS | 17.4 mi | $1,550 | +$575 (+59%) |
| Riverside, MO | 17.4 mi | $890 | $-85 (-9%) |
| Mission, KS | 19.6 mi | $1,050 | +$75 (+8%) |
Studio rent in Independence — common questions
How much is a studio apartment in Independence?
As of July 2026, the median studio apartment rent in Independence, Missouri is $975 per month. This is +29% below the citywide median of $1,378.
What income do you need to afford a studio in Independence?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $39,000 ($3,250/month gross), which works out to roughly $18.75/hour at a full-time job.
Is Independence expensive for a studio compared to the rest of the US?
Independence's studio median of $975 is +24% below the national studio median of $1,290. It ranks in the 25th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Independence rank for studio rent in Missouri?
Among the 69 cities in Missouri with studio data, Independence ranks #39 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper studio options near Independence?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper studio rents include Raytown ($970), Grandview ($890), Riverside ($890).