Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Boston is 138% more expensive than Little Rock.

$2,093/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 36%
$710,400 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 69%
$2,176/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 49%
663,972
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,026/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $12,312/year.

Median household income is $34,172/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Little Rock?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,026/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Little Rock?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $34,172/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arkansas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Little Rock details →

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