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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Downey

California
169

Little Rock is 56% cheaper than Downey.

$1,067/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 77%
$60,583/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 44%
$221,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 229%
$1,099/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 82%
202,739
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $26,817/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Downey — common questions

Is Little Rock or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Downey?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Downey?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $26,817/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Downey details →

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