Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Washington is 131% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,900/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 44%
$106,287/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 43%
$724,600 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 69%
$2,103/mo ↑ 91%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 48%
672,079
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $833/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $9,996/year.

Median household income is $45,704/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Little Rock?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $833/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Little Rock?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $45,704/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Arkansas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

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