Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Raleigh is 49% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,468/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 27%
$82,424/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 26%
$377,800 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 41%
$1,487/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 26%
470,763
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $21,841/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 Raleigh and Little Rock?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Little Rock?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $21,841/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arkansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Little Rock

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard