Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Little Rock and Wichita have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arkansas salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Little Rock scores 94 while Wichita scores 95.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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