Little Rock vs Springfield
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Little Rock
Springfield
The Verdict
Little Rock is 0.0% less expensive than Springfield overall. A household earning $75,000 in Little Rock would need approximately $75,000 in Springfield to maintain the same standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Little Rock has the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Springfield.
Conversely, $75,000 in Springfield equals $75,000 in Little Rock.
Living in Little Rock vs Springfield
Housing Costs
Little Rock's housing index of 62 is lower Springfield's 67, translating to median home prices of $170,000 vs $225,000. The $55,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,576 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Little Rock compared to $950/mo in Springfield, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 94 in Little Rock and 94 in Springfield. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $447/month in Little Rock vs $447/month in Springfield. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 88 in Little Rock and 79 in Springfield. Monthly utility bills average approximately $352 in Little Rock vs $316 in Springfield. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 90 in Little Rock and 116 in Springfield. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $47,638 in Little Rock and $46,000 in Springfield. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $56,712 and $54,762 respectively. Little Rock residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,112/month to housing in Little Rock vs $1,073/month in Springfield. In Little Rock, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Springfield, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 26 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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