Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Little Rock is 6% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,067/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 19%
$60,583/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 12%
$221,200 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 15%
$1,099/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 13%
202,739
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $7,180/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Allentown — common questions

Is Little Rock or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Allentown?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Allentown?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $7,180/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Pennsylvania?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Allentown details →

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