Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Arlington is 28% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,389/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 23%
$73,519/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 18%
$276,400 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 20%
$1,420/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 23%
394,769
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $12,936/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Arlington or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Little Rock?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Little Rock?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $12,936/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arkansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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