Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Phoenix is 47% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,458/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 27%
$77,041/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 21%
$381,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 42%
$1,430/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 23%
1,624,832
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $16,458/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Little Rock?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Little Rock?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $16,458/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arkansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Little Rock details →

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