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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Arlington is 174% more expensive than Little Rock.

$2,275/mo ↑ 113%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 53%
$140,160/yr ↑ 131%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 57%
$864,800 ↑ 291%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 74%
$2,414/mo ↑ 120%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 54%
235,463
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,208/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $14,496/year.

Median household income is $79,577/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Little Rock?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,208/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Little Rock?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $79,577/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arkansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Little Rock details →

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