Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

San Diego

California
197
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

San Diego is 166% more expensive than Little Rock.

$2,223/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 52%
$104,321/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 42%
$848,500 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 74%
$2,308/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 52%
1,385,061
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,156/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $13,872/year.

Median household income is $43,738/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Little Rock — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Little Rock?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,156/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Little Rock?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $43,738/year higher in San Diego.
How do taxes compare between California and Arkansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to San Diego or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Little Rock

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin 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