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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Little Rock is 14% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,067/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ≈ Same
$60,583/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↓ 2%
$221,200 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 33%
$1,099/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 4%
202,739
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,400/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Little Rock or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Kansas City?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Kansas City?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $1,400/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Kansas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Kansas City details →

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