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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Little Rock is 71% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,067/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 151%
$60,583/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 130%
$221,200 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 423%
$1,099/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 155%
202,739
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,611/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $19,332/year.

Median household income is $78,743/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Little Rock or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,611/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $78,743/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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