Cost of Living: Salt Lake, UT vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Salt Lake

Utah
117
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Salt Lake is 43% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,343/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 21%
$74,925/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 19%
$495,700 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 55%
$1,394/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 21%
203,888
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.1%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake, UT and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $14,342/year higher in Salt Lake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake is $495,700 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Salt Lake 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake and Little Rock?
Median rent in Salt Lake is $1,343/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake or Little Rock?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $14,342/year higher in Salt Lake.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Arkansas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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.
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