Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Philadelphia is 15% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,323/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,583/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 5%
$1,233/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 11%
1,582,432
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $115/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Little Rock?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Little Rock?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $115/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Arkansas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Little Rock details →

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