Skyline of Little Rock
Cost of Living: 88.5 202,591

Little Rock, AR, US

Rock Town with Clinton history, the Arkansas River, and very affordable living.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 88.5

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 78.5

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.2%

Job market health

Little Rock vs US Average

Cost of Living
Little Rock: 88.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Little Rock: 78.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Little Rock: 4.9%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.9%
  • Sales Tax: 8.6%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 3.2%
  • Population: 202,591

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 219/year
  • Summer High: 93°F
  • Winter Low: 30°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $175,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Cost of Living

Little Rock's cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryLittle RockNational AverageDifference
Overall88.5100-11.5%
Housing78.5100-21.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$175,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$116

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Little Rock:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$90Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$225Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$40Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$440Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Little Rock

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Little Rock Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/mo.

East Little Rock

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/mo.

West Little Rock

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $903/mo.

Remote Work Score

Little Rock scores 125/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 219 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Little Rock has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January50°F30°F2.5"
April78°F45°F2.8"
July93°F68°F1.5"
October73°F48°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 4.9%
  • Sales Tax: 8.625%
  • Property Tax: ~0.64% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR, US?

The cost of living index in Little Rock is 88.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Little Rock?

The median home price in Little Rock is $175,000. The housing index is 78.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Little Rock is approximately $950/mo.

Does Little Rock, AR have income tax?

Little Rock is in AR, which has an income tax rate of 4.9%.

What is the climate like in Little Rock?

Little Rock enjoys approximately 219 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,93°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.30°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.