Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Norman, OK (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Little Rock and Norman have a similar cost of living.

$1,067/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ≈ Same
$60,583/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 7%
$221,200 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 8%
$1,099/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 2%
202,739
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,477/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Norman — common questions

Is Little Rock or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Norman?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Norman?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $4,477/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Oklahoma?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Norman details →

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