Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Little Rock is 20% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 23%
$60,583/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 45%
$221,200 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 30%
$1,099/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 21%
202,739
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $27,184/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Rochester — common questions

Is Little Rock or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Rochester?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Rochester?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $27,184/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Minnesota?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Rochester details →

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