City Comparison
Radcliff vs Independence
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Independence scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Radcliff
Independence
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Radcliff is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Independence.
Housing costs are a major driver: Radcliff's average rent is
21% lower than Independence's.
| Metric | Radcliff | Independence | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,450 | -21% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $165 | $175 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $240 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,025 | $2,415 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Independence offers 18% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Independence delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Radcliff is estimated at
$48,000 vs $52,000 in Independence.
| Metric | Radcliff | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,636 idx | 70,833 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $82,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.7°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Independence sees 6.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Radcliff | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | 54.80°F |
| Summer High | 85.30°F | 83.60°F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | 23.40°F |
| Rainfall | 60.20 in | 48.10 in |
| Snowfall | 17.20 in | 23.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 232 | 238 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Radcliff has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Independence.
| Metric | Radcliff | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 44.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Independence is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Radcliff.
From a growth perspective, Independence is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Independence has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Radcliff | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,000 | 29,079 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Radcliff
Advantages
Affordable cost of living with housing expenses significantly below the national average per Zillow and local housing data.
Close proximity to Fort Knox provides a stable economic baseline and employment opportunities in defense and civil service.
Family-friendly suburban environment with low crime rates and active community engagement.
Abundant natural recreation areas nearby, including Saunders Springs Nature Preserve and Otter Creek.
Favorable commute times and easy access to the broader Louisville metropolitan amenities.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public mass transit infrastructure within the city limits.
Local retail and entertainment options are somewhat limited, requiring trips to Elizabethtown or Louisville for major shopping.
Transitory population due to military deployment rotations can occasionally impact community continuity.
Humid subtropical climate brings high summer temperatures and humidity levels.
Average local salaries lag slightly behind major metropolitan hubs.
Independence
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average per FBI crime data.
Median home prices offer better square footage value compared to downtown Cincinnati and nearby major hubs.
Access to well-maintained local parks and recreation spaces, including Memorial Park.
Consistent and strong community safety profile ideal for raising families and retirees.
Proximity to the Greater Cincinnati job market while maintaining a quiet suburban atmosphere.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public transportation options within city limits.
Limited local nightlife and high-end dining options directly inside the city.
Commuting during peak rush hours along major corridors like US-17 can experience delays.
Inventory for rental apartments can be competitive due to high demand for single-family homes.
Local commercial development is still expanding, requiring travel outside the city for major retail shopping.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Radcliff
#311Kentucky, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
232/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
72
Business
65
Independence
#45Kentucky, USA
70.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
54.80°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
80
Business
68
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