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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Richmond

California
161

Little Rock is 54% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,067/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 78%
$60,583/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 49%
$221,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 194%
$1,099/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 83%
202,739
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Richmond — common questions

Is Little Rock or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Richmond?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Richmond?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Richmond details →

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