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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Durham is 42% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,412/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 24%
$79,234/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 24%
$355,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 38%
$1,434/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 23%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $18,651/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Little Rock?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Little Rock?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $18,651/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Little Rock details →

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