Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Cary, NC (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Little Rock is 45% cheaper than Cary.

$1,067/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 52%
$60,583/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 114%
$221,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 137%
$1,099/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 59%
202,739
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $68,816/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Cary — common questions

Is Little Rock or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Cary?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Cary?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $68,816/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and North Carolina?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Cary details →

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