Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Newark is 35% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,330/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 20%
$48,416/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↑ 25%
$337,800 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 35%
$1,419/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 23%
307,188
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $12,167/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Little Rock?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Little Rock?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $12,167/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Arkansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

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