Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Lexington is 11% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,101/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 3%
$67,631/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 10%
$272,100 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 19%
$1,160/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 5%
321,122
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,048/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Little Rock?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Little Rock?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $7,048/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Arkansas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Little Rock details →

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