Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Worcester is 30% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,415/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 25%
$67,544/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 10%
$339,500 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 35%
$1,521/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 28%
205,501
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $6,961/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Little Rock?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Little Rock?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $6,961/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arkansas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Little Rock details →