Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Kansas City is 8% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,186/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 10%
$67,449/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 10%
$227,000 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 3%
$1,205/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 9%
508,233
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $6,866/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Kansas City or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Little Rock?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Little Rock?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $6,866/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Arkansas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Little Rock details →

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