Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Little Rock is 42% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,067/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 53%
$60,583/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 49%
$221,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 112%
$1,099/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 54%
202,739
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Charleston — common questions

Is Little Rock or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Charleston?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Charleston?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and South Carolina?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Charleston details →

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