Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Little Rock is 26% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 23%
$60,583/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 5%
$221,200 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 58%
$1,099/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 25%
202,739
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $3,317/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Little Rock or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Wilmington?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Wilmington?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,317/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and North Carolina?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Wilmington details →

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