Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Little Rock is 41% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,067/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 80%
$60,583/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 54%
$221,200 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 79%
$1,099/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 44%
202,739
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $32,788/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Surprise — common questions

Is Little Rock or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Surprise?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Surprise?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $32,788/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Arizona?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Surprise

Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite