Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Tampa is 53% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,567/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 32%
$71,302/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 15%
$375,300 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 41%
$1,553/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 29%
393,389
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $10,719/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Arkansas's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Tampa 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Little Rock?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Little Rock?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $10,719/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arkansas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Little Rock details →

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