Missouri vs Arkansas: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Missouri vs Arkansas comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Adjacent Border states — MO's 4.95% top against AR's 3.9% top (declining further). Both with low effective property taxes.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Missouri | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 4.70% (progressive) | 3.90% (progressive) |
| State sales tax | 4.23% | 6.50% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.88% | 0.57% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $15.00/hr | $11.00/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $240,000 | $198,000 |
| Foreclosure type | non-judicial | non-judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 90.5 | 88 |
| Median household income (2024) | $67,340 | $56,335 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,230/mo | $1,080/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Missouri: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,468, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 4.23% on consumption.
- Arkansas: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,047, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.50% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Missouri ≈ $$3,520/year; Arkansas ≈ $$2,280/year.
Combined annual state burden (income + property on $400K + 6% of $50K consumption sales tax) — Missouri: ~$8,101; Arkansas: ~$7,577.
Why this comparison? Adjacent Border states — MO's 4.95% top against AR's 3.9% top (declining further). Both with low effective property taxes.
Drill into specific calculators
Missouri
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Missouri or Arkansas?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Missouri has a cost-of-living index of 90.5 and Arkansas is 88 (US average = 100). Median household income: Missouri $67,340, Arkansas $56,335. Median 2-bedroom rent: Missouri $1,230/mo, Arkansas $1,080/mo. Arkansas is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Missouri or Arkansas have lower income tax in 2026?
Arkansas has a top income-tax rate of 3.90%; Missouri has 4.70%. Arkansas is lower at the top bracket.
What about property taxes in Missouri vs Arkansas?
Missouri's average effective property tax rate is 0.88% (e.g., $3,520/year on a $400,000 home). Arkansas's rate is 0.57% ($2,280/year on $400K). Arkansas has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Missouri or Arkansas?
Missouri's 2026 minimum wage is $15.00/hour; Arkansas's is $11.00/hour. Missouri is higher.