A
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index North Little Rock Arkansas National
Cost of living9486100
Goods & Services10798100
Groceries9895100
Health care8888100
Housing8265100
Transportation8890100
Utilities9492100

An Overview of Cost of Living in North Little Rock, AR

Getting a feel for the cost of living in North Little Rock is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in North Little Rock is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in North Little Rock are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of North Little Rock can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is North Little Rock Affordable?

Is North Little Rock affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in North Little Rock, the median home price is 22% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 8.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with North Little Rock boasting a median household income of $43,831, 20.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in North Little Rock?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In North Little Rock, the utilities index registers at 5.9% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in North Little Rock, is 18% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The North Little Rock cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in North Little Rock is 10% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in North Little Rock is 6% lower than the national average
  • North Little Rock housing is 18% lower than the national average
  • Arkansas general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Arkansas state income tax is 11% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around North Little Rock

See all the best places to live around North Little Rock

Compare North Little Rock, AR Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$68,618$5,718$1,601$2,059
      Renters$30,728$2,561$717$922
      The affordability of the housing market in North Little Rock, AR as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among North Little Rock homeowners, the median income is $68,618. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,601 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $30,728. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $717 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Arkansas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arkansas 6.5% 11.625%

      Arkansas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arkansas 2% 5.5%

      Goods & Services

      Item North Little Rock National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.72$24.2618.4%
      Beauty Salon $47.61$45.564.5%
      Toothpaste $3.61$3.702.6%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.9%
      Movie $13.35$12.1310.1%
      Bowling $15.56$18.0013.6%

      Groceries

      Item North Little Rock National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.76$5.841.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.36$1.5713.3%
      Milk $4.65$4.670.5%
      Potatoes $5.31$4.937.6%
      Pizza $11.20$12.097.4%
      Beer $10.24$10.411.6%

      Health Care

      Item North Little Rock National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $115.17$125.688.4%
      Doctor $132.33$135.782.5%
      Dentist $81.53$113.2928.0%
      Ibuprofen $10.35$10.652.8%
      Lipitor $471.21$468.600.6%

      Housing

      Item North Little Rock National avg. Difference
      Home Price $144,100.00$184,700.0022.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,117.76$2,346.699.8%
      Apartment Rent $867.00$949.008.6%

      Transportation

      Item North Little Rock National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.05$3.4612.0%
      Tire Balancing $53.11$59.9211.4%

      Utilities

      Item North Little Rock National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $166.99$193.9913.9%
      Phone $205.18$192.256.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Scott, AR151000.2%
      College Station, AR3167921.2%
      Sweet Home, AR9268316.7%
      Wrightsville, AR1,6958514.9%
      Bauxite, AR6708713.0%
      North Little Rock, AR66,079945.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Shawnee, KS65,8441043.7%
      Ames, IA66,3611032.7%
      Eagan, MN66,37711413.6%
      Eastvale, CA65,76617069.7%
      Tamarac, FL66,4321077.2%
      North Little Rock, AR66,079945.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.