Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Nashville is 49% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,486/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 28%
$75,197/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 19%
$383,100 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 42%
$1,471/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 25%
684,298
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $14,614/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Nashville 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Little Rock?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Little Rock?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $14,614/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Arkansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Little Rock details →

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