Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Little Rock is 66% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,067/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 108%
$60,583/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 71%
$221,200 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 372%
$1,099/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 113%
202,739
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,151/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $13,812/year.

Median household income is $43,195/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Little Rock or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Pasadena?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,151/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Pasadena?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $43,195/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and California?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Pasadena details →

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