COLD

Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR

Population 202,739 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

76
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Little Rock cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $221,000, rents near $1,067 a month.

Cost Overview

Housing 73
Rent 81

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Little Rock

The median home value in Little Rock is $221,200 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,067/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,583/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Little Rock has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$221,200
27% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$214,773
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,067/mo
19% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,171/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$638
1 BR
$684
2 BR
$848
3 BR
$1,151
4 BR
$1,256
Owner-occupied 54.2%
Renter-occupied 45.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,067
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,681/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.1 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.5%
Carpooled
8.9%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
10.8%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.4%
Total Sales Tax 9.5%
State rate 6.5%
Avg local rate 3.0%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$60,583
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$43,242
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
12% below avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Labor Force Participation
63.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.0%
Graduate degree 19.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.4
Male median age 34.5
Female median age 37.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 55 — Moderate
33.4%
Good air days/yr
174
Max AQI recorded
305
PM2.5 days
60
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Little Rock has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.

What is average rent in Little Rock, AR?

The median gross rent in Little Rock is $1,067 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Little Rock?

The median home value in Little Rock is $221,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Little Rock?

The median household income in Little Rock is $60,583 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Little Rock, AR?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Little Rock is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Little Rock, AR affordable?

Yes, Little Rock is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.

Little Rock at a Glance

Population
202,739
Median Income
$60,583
Home Value
$221,200
Median Rent
$1,067/mo
Unemployment
4.2%
Sales Tax
9.5%
View all cities in Arkansas →

Nearby Cities

🗺️ County data for Arkansas

Explore county-level cost of living data

Arkansas Rankings

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs