Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Little Rock is 9% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,067/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 8%
$60,583/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$61,028/yr ≈ Same
$221,200 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 17%
$1,099/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 1%
202,739
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $445/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Little Rock or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $445/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Tennessee?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Chattanooga details →

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