Is Little Rock, AR cheaper than Lexington, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Little Rock, AR is 4.8% cheaper than Lexington, KY. This translates to saving $358 per month.

What salary do I need in Little Rock, AR to live like I do in Lexington, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Lexington, KY, you'd need approximately $145,708.756 in Little Rock, AR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lexington, KY and Little Rock, AR?

Housing in Little Rock, AR is 18.8% cheaper than in Lexington, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,226/month in Little Rock, AR compared to $1,390/month in Lexington, KY.

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

Moving from Lexington, KY to Little Rock, AR could save you approximately $358 per month, or $4291 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lexington, KY vs Little Rock, AR: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lexington, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $358/month moving to Little Rock, AR

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.7K in Little Rock, AR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$358

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.3K

Per year

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

Lexington, KY

Population:323K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$345K

Little Rock, AR

Population:204K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$261K

Lexington, KY

The Bluegrass State

323K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 323K 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: Lexington, KY vs Little Rock, AR

Category	Lexington, KY	Little Rock, AR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,339/mo	$1,900/mo	↓ $439less	18.8%
Other	$1,641/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $83.42more	5.1%
All Utilities	$464/mo	$538/mo	↑ $73.42more	15.8%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,280/mo	↑ $64.40more	5.3%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$534/mo	↓ $16.98less	3.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$953/mo	↓ $6.08less	0.6%

Housing

↓ 18.8%

Lexington, KY

$2,339

Little Rock, AR

$1,900

Difference

$439

less

Other

↑ 5.1%

Lexington, KY

$1,641

Little Rock, AR

$1,724

Difference

$83.42

All Utilities

↑ 15.8%

Lexington, KY

$464

Little Rock, AR

$538

Difference

$73.42

Transportation

↑ 5.3%

Lexington, KY

$1,216

Little Rock, AR

$1,280

Difference

$64.40

Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Lexington, KY

$551

Little Rock, AR

$534

Difference

$16.98

less

Groceries

↓ 0.6%

Lexington, KY

$959

Little Rock, AR

$953

Difference

$6.08

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lexington, KY: Lexington Occupational Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

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$960

To$1,050

↑ $90.00

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,061

↓ $119

2 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,226

↓ $164

3 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,648

↓ $252

Lexington, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $940–$1,500/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.

$7,170

Monthly in Lexington, KY

$6,930

Monthly in Little Rock, AR

$241

Difference

Home Values

Lexington

Little Rock

$345K

Median Value

$261K

↑ +5%

YoY Change

↑ +1.4%

↑ +43.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.2%

$214K - $711K

Price Range

$109K - $468K

Homes in Little Rock are 24% less expensive than Lexington

Calculate payment - Lexington Calculate payment - Little Rock

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$127

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

Lexington, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/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

Lexington, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.