Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Columbus is 7% cheaper than Little Rock.

$1,072/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ≈ Same
$56,622/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↑ 7%
$182,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$221,200 ↑ 21%
$1,064/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↑ 3%
204,383
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,961/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Columbus or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Little Rock?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Little Rock?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $3,961/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Arkansas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Little Rock

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Columbus vs. Fayetteville Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard Little Rock vs. Cape Coral