Is Little Rock, AR cheaper than Knoxville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Little Rock, AR is 6.3% cheaper than Knoxville, TN. This translates to saving $476 per month.

What salary do I need in Little Rock, AR to live like I do in Knoxville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Knoxville, TN, you'd need approximately $144,288.385 in Little Rock, AR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Knoxville, TN and Little Rock, AR?

Housing in Little Rock, AR is 20.1% cheaper than in Knoxville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,226/month in Little Rock, AR compared to $1,495/month in Knoxville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Knoxville, TN to Little Rock, AR?

Moving from Knoxville, TN to Little Rock, AR could save you approximately $476 per month, or $5712 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Knoxville, TN vs Little Rock, AR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Knoxville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $476/month moving to Little Rock, AR

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Little Rock, AR

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Knoxville, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$476

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

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

Knoxville, TN

Population:198K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$369K

Little Rock, AR

Population:204K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$261K

Knoxville, TN

The Volunteer State

198K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Tennessee, this city has a population of 198K residents.

💡 Advantage: Tennessee has no state income tax!

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: Knoxville, TN vs Little Rock, AR

Category	Knoxville, TN	Little Rock, AR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,378/mo	$1,900/mo	↓ $478less	20.1%
All Utilities	$468/mo	$538/mo	↑ $69.52more	14.8%
Other	$1,668/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $55.78more	3.3%
Transportation	$1,236/mo	$1,280/mo	↑ $43.92more	3.6%
Healthcare	$556/mo	$534/mo	↓ $21.61less	3.9%
Groceries	$967/mo	$953/mo	↓ $14.13less	1.5%

Housing

↓ 20.1%

Knoxville, TN

$2,378

Little Rock, AR

$1,900

Difference

$478

less

All Utilities

↑ 14.8%

Knoxville, TN

$468

Little Rock, AR

$538

Difference

$69.52

Other

↑ 3.3%

Knoxville, TN

$1,668

Little Rock, AR

$1,724

Difference

$55.78

Transportation

↑ 3.6%

Knoxville, TN

$1,236

Little Rock, AR

$1,280

Difference

$43.92

Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Knoxville, TN

$556

Little Rock, AR

$534

Difference

$21.61

less

Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Knoxville, TN

$967

Little Rock, AR

$953

Difference

$14.13

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,200

To$1,050

↓ $150

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,061

↓ $139

2 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,226

↓ $269

3 Bed

From$1,891

To$1,648

↓ $243

Knoxville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$1,480/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.

$7,274

Monthly in Knoxville, TN

$6,930

Monthly in Little Rock, AR

$345

Difference

Home Values

Knoxville

Little Rock

$369K

Median Value

$261K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +1.4%

↑ +64.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.2%

$196K - $638K

Price Range

$109K - $468K

Homes in Little Rock are 29% less expensive than Knoxville

Calculate payment - Knoxville Calculate payment - Little Rock

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $9.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$752

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.0%

Rate difference

Knoxville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Knoxville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.