Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Little Rock and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,067/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 5%
$60,583/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 16%
$221,200 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$214,000 ↓ 3%
$1,099/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 2%
202,739
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $9,589/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Little Rock or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Knoxville?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Knoxville?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $9,589/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Tennessee?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Knoxville details →

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