Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Louisville and Little Rock have a similar cost of living.

$1,069/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ≈ Same
$64,731/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 6%
$221,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$221,200 ≈ Same
$1,118/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 2%
627,210
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,148/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Louisville or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Little Rock?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Little Rock?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $4,148/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Arkansas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Little Rock details →

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