A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index North Little Rock Arkansas National
Cost of living9186100
Groceries9596100
Health care9395100
Housing8467100
Transportation9294100
Utilities9193100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9493100
Household Items9496100
Education & Childcare9492100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in North Little Rock, AR

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in North Little Rock? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in North Little Rock stands at 91, making it 9% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In North Little Rock, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in North Little Rock will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is North Little Rock Affordable?

Wondering if North Little Rock is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In North Little Rock, for example, the median home price is 19.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 7.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with North Little Rock boasting a median household income of $66,505, which is 18.2% lower than the national average.

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

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In North Little Rock, the groceries index is 4.7% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for North Little Rock are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in North Little Rock is 5% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in North Little Rock is 9% lower than the national average
  • North Little Rock housing is 16% lower than the national average
  • Arkansas general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Arkansas state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around North Little Rock

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Compare North Little Rock, AR Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$101,117$8,426$2,359$3,034
      Renters$46,683$3,890$1,089$1,401
      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 $101,117. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,359 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $46,683. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,089 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% 4.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Scott, AR15954.8%
      College Station, AR3287623.9%
      Sweet Home, AR9488019.5%
      Wrightsville, AR1,7398317.4%
      Bauxite, AR6958415.9%
      North Little Rock, AR68,354919.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lodi, CA68,36113231.7%
      West Des Moines, IA68,3451032.6%
      Redondo Beach, CA68,376212111.8%
      Eagan, MN68,19311716.6%
      Ames, IA68,0471000.1%
      North Little Rock, AR68,354919.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.