| Index | Little Rock | Arkansas | National |
| Cost of living | 96 | 86 | 100 |
| Groceries | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 95 | 95 | 100 |
| Housing | 96 | 67 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 94 | 100 |
| Utilities | 91 | 93 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 93 | 93 | 100 |
| Household Items | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 97 | 92 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Little Rock can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Little Rock cost of living index is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Little Rock is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 17 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Little Rock. The feedback revealed that 47% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 53% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Little Rock an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Little Rock is 2.9% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 6.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Little Rock has a median household income of $79,537, which is 2.2% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Little Rock, the transportation index stands at 1.8% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Little Rock, the healthcare costs are 4.6% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Little Rock, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 2%.
The Little Rock cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $111,884 | $9,324 | $2,610 | $3,357 |
| Renters | $53,698 | $4,475 | $1,253 | $1,611 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | 11.625% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Arkansas | 2% | 4.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Woodson, AR | 613 | 96 | 4.4% |
| Scott, AR | 15 | 95 | 4.8% |
| College Station, AR | 328 | 76 | 23.9% |
| Sweet Home, AR | 948 | 80 | 19.5% |
| Wrightsville, AR | 1,739 | 83 | 17.4% |
| Little Rock, AR | 202,086 | 96 | 4.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Columbus, GA | 201,240 | 96 | 3.9% |
| Akron, OH | 203,042 | 83 | 17.0% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 203,094 | 113 | 12.8% |
| Glendale, CA | 204,037 | 193 | 93.1% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 204,117 | 96 | 4.0% |
| Little Rock, AR | 202,086 | 96 | 4.3% |
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