Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Fresno is 36% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,324/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
$66,804/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 37%
$1,391/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 21%
543,615
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $6,221/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Little Rock?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Little Rock?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $6,221/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Arkansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Little Rock

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard