Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Athens, GA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Little Rock is 11% cheaper than Athens.

$1,067/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 9%
$60,583/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 15%
$221,200 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 23%
$1,099/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 6%
202,739
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $8,928/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Athens — common questions

Is Little Rock or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Athens?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Athens?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $8,928/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Georgia?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Athens details →

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