Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Little Rock is 28% more expensive than Jackson.

$1,067/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↓ 5%
$60,583/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 29%
$221,200 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 51%
$1,099/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$956/mo ↓ 13%
202,739
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,345/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Jackson — common questions

Is Little Rock or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Jackson?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Jackson?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $17,345/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Mississippi?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Jackson details →

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