Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Baltimore is 14% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 17%
$59,623/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↑ 2%
$219,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$221,200 ≈ Same
$1,333/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 18%
577,193
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $960/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Little Rock?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Little Rock?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $960/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Arkansas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Little Rock details →

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