Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Charlotte is 46% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,504/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 29%
$78,438/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 23%
$351,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 37%
$1,487/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 26%
886,283
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $17,855/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Charlotte 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 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Little Rock?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Little Rock?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $17,855/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arkansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Charlotte or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Little Rock details →

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