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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Columbus is 12% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,224/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 13%
$65,327/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 7%
$234,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 6%
$1,243/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 12%
906,480
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $4,744/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus 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, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Little Rock?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Little Rock?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $4,744/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arkansas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% 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 83 with median rent of $1,224/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

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