State Comparison
Missouri vs Arkansas
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Arkansas leads in 9 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $235,000 in Missouri vs $185,000 in Arkansas — a $50,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Missouri has a 4.8% top income tax rate while Arkansas has a 4.4% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.97% vs 0.62%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Missouri's index is 89.8 and Arkansas's is 89 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Missouri and Arkansas data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri or Arkansas more affordable?
Arkansas has a lower cost of living index (89) compared to Missouri (89.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Missouri or Arkansas?
Overall, Missouri has a lower combined tax burden. Missouri has a 4.8% top income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.97% property tax. Arkansas has a 4.4% top income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
What are housing costs in Missouri vs Arkansas?
The median home price in Missouri is $235,000 compared to $185,000 in Arkansas. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $940/month in Missouri vs $810/month in Arkansas.
Which state is better for starting a business — Missouri or Arkansas?
LLC filing costs are $50 in Missouri vs $45 in Arkansas, with annual fees of $0 and $150 respectively. Missouri's 4.8% top tax rate compared to Arkansas's 4.4% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Missouri to Arkansas?
It depends on your priorities. Arkansas wins in 9 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Missouri and Arkansas
When deciding between living in Missouri or Arkansas, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Missouri (MO) has a median household income of $60,905 with a cost of living index of 89.8. Arkansas (AR) has a median household income of $52,528 with a cost of living index of 89.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Missouri calculator or Arkansas calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.