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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Little Rock is 76% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,067/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 180%
$60,583/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 187%
$221,200 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 591%
$1,099/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 178%
202,739
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,918/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $23,016/year.

Median household income is $113,087/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Little Rock or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,918/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $113,087/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Santa Clara

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