Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Salem, OR (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Little Rock is 30% cheaper than Salem.

$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 24%
$60,583/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 19%
$221,200 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 73%
$1,099/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 31%
202,739
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $11,317/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Salem — common questions

Is Little Rock or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Salem?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Salem?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $11,317/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Oregon?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Salem details →

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