Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Little Rock is 44% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,067/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 66%
$60,583/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 32%
$221,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 106%
$1,099/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 62%
202,739
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $19,352/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Little Rock or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $19,352/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Florida?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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