Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Madison is 39% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 22%
$76,983/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 21%
$346,900 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 36%
$1,476/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 26%
275,568
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $16,400/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Little Rock?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Little Rock?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $16,400/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arkansas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Little Rock details →

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