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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Little Rock is 10% more expensive than Independence.

$1,067/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ≈ Same
$60,583/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 2%
$221,200 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 25%
$1,099/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 5%
202,739
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,103/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Independence — common questions

Is Little Rock or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Independence?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Independence?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $1,103/year higher in Little Rock.
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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Independence

Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor