Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Providence, RI (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Little Rock is 25% cheaper than Providence.

$1,067/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 25%
$60,583/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 10%
$221,200 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 46%
$1,099/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 33%
202,739
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $6,189/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Providence — common questions

Is Little Rock or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Providence?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Providence?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $6,189/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Rhode Island?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Providence details →

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