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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Oakland is 164% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,917/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 44%
$97,369/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 38%
$924,700 ↑ 318%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 76%
$2,164/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 49%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $36,786/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Little Rock?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Little Rock?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $36,786/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Little Rock details →

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