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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Mesa is 45% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,478/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 28%
$78,779/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 23%
$364,300 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 39%
$1,404/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 22%
507,478
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $18,196/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Little Rock?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Little Rock?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $18,196/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arkansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

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