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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Little Rock is 9% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,067/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 14%
$60,583/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 25%
$221,200 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 6%
$1,099/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 6%
202,739
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $14,972/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Little Rock or Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Gainesville?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $14,972/year higher in Little Rock.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

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