Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Modesto is 62% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,609/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 34%
$77,899/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 22%
$415,600 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 47%
$1,613/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 32%
218,614
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $17,316/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Little Rock?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Little Rock?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $17,316/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Arkansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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