Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Richmond is 32% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,314/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
$62,671/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 3%
$328,100 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 33%
$1,374/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 20%
227,595
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $2,088/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Richmond 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 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Little Rock?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Little Rock?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $2,088/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arkansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Little Rock details →

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