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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Irvine is 246% more expensive than Little Rock.

$2,893/mo ↑ 171%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 63%
$129,647/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 53%
$1,115,400 ↑ 404%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 80%
$2,904/mo ↑ 164%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 62%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,826/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $21,912/year.

Median household income is $69,064/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Little Rock?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,826/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Little Rock?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $69,064/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Little Rock details →

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