Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Little Rock is 44% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,067/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 61%
$60,583/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 63%
$221,200 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 119%
$1,099/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 46%
202,739
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $38,103/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Meridian — common questions

Is Little Rock or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Meridian?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Meridian?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $38,103/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Idaho?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Meridian details →

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