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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Little Rock is 71% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,067/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 99%
$60,583/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 79%
$221,200 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 511%
$1,099/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 113%
202,739
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $47,975/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Little Rock or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Berkeley?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Berkeley?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $47,975/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and California?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Berkeley details →

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