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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Little Rock is 28% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,067/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 11%
$60,583/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 8%
$221,200 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 41%
$1,099/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 15%
202,739
Population
126,103

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $4,681/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Topeka — common questions

Is Little Rock or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Topeka?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Topeka?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,681/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 Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Topeka details →

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