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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Little Rock is 68% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,067/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 124%
$60,583/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 82%
$221,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 377%
$1,099/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 124%
202,739
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,328/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $15,936/year.

Median household income is $49,490/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Little Rock or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,328/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,490/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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