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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Little Rock is 23% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,067/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 14%
$60,583/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 24%
$221,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 25%
$1,099/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 17%
202,739
Population
169,432

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
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $14,599/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Springfield — common questions

Is Little Rock or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Springfield?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Springfield?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,599/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Springfield details →

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