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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Little Rock is 8% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,067/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ≈ Same
$60,583/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 6%
$221,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 21%
$1,099/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 1%
202,739
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,905/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Columbia — common questions

Is Little Rock or Columbia 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 Little Rock and Columbia?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Columbia?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $3,905/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Missouri?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Columbia details →

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