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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Little Rock is 38% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,067/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 52%
$60,583/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 28%
$221,200 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 91%
$1,099/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 41%
202,739
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $17,060/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Tempe — common questions

Is Little Rock or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Tempe?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Tempe?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $17,060/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Tempe

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 Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News