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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $135/month more in Little Rock, AR

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.6K in Little Rock, AR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
1.8%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$135
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$1.6K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$90K

Little Rock, AR

Population:204K
Cost Index:
102
(2% above avg)
Median Home:$261K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Little Rock, AR

The Natural State

204K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Arkansas, this city has a population of 204K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Little Rock, AR

Other
9.6%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Little Rock, AR
$1,724
Difference
$150
more
Transportation
6.5%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Little Rock, AR
$1,280
Difference
$78.06
more
Housing
1.2%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Little Rock, AR
$1,900
Difference
$22.92
less
Healthcare
3.9%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Little Rock, AR
$534
Difference
$20.19
more
Groceries
0.6%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Little Rock, AR
$953
Difference
$6.08
less
All Utilities
0.6%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Little Rock, AR
$538
Difference
$3.08
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Little Rock, AR has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$1,050
$170
1 Bed
From$990
To$1,061
$71.00
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$1,226
$141
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,648
$288
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900$1,580/mo

Little Rock, ARZIP-level data

1BR range: $890$1,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$6,930
Monthly in Little Rock, AR
$217
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Little Rock
$90K
Median Value
$261K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↑ +1.4%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +27.2%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$109K - $468K

Homes in Little Rock are 191% more expensive than Birmingham

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.6K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$130
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.0%
Rate difference

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Little Rock, AR

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arkansas State Tax
Effective: 6.0%
$9.0K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.7%
$46.0K
Take-Home Pay
$8,664/month
$104.0K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Little Rock, AR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.4%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Birmingham
Little Rock
57 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
34.4%
98 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🫨
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
54 days
+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
54 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Alabama and Arkansas on TaxTakeHome.com

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