Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Little Rock is 39% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,067/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 45%
$60,583/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 34%
$221,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 97%
$1,099/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 49%
202,739
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $20,506/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Little Rock or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $20,506/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Michigan?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Ann Arbor details →

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