Question 1

Is Little Rock or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Springfield, MO is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $85/month less than in Little Rock, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,147/mo in Little Rock versus $1,095/mo in Springfield.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Little Rock vs Springfield?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $64,500/year before tax in Little Rock, AR and $62,500/year in Springfield, MO — a difference of about $2,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Little Rock or Springfield cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Springfield, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,093/month in Little Rock and $8,054/month in Springfield, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Little Rock or Springfield?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Springfield costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Little Rock63	Springfield61
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,583	$3,498
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,093	$8,054
Salary for comfort	$64,500/yr	$62,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,147	$1,095
Median home value	$221,200	$165,200
Median household income	$60,583	$45,984
Unemployment	4.2%	3.9%
Housing score	77	60
Jobs score	75	82
Safety score	4	6
Climate score	98	96
Amenities score	31	21
Population	202.7K	169.4K
Summer high / winter low	93° / 31°	89° / 22°

Little Rock, AR vs Springfield, MO