Is Little Rock, AR cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Little Rock, AR is 11.4% cheaper than Richmond, VA. This translates to saving $858 per month.

What salary do I need in Little Rock, AR to live like I do in Richmond, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $139,709.143 in Little Rock, AR to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Little Rock, AR?

Housing in Little Rock, AR is 25.4% cheaper than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,226/month in Little Rock, AR compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

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

Moving from Richmond, VA to Little Rock, AR could save you approximately $858 per month, or $10291 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $858/month moving to Little Rock, AR

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.7K in Little Rock, AR

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$858

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.3K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Little Rock, AR

Population:204K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$261K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K 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: Richmond, VA vs Little Rock, AR

Category	Richmond, VA	Little Rock, AR	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$1,900/mo	↓ $647less	25.4%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$534/mo	↓ $97.53less	15.4%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$538/mo	↓ $35.87less	6.3%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $33.76less	1.9%
Groceries	$959/mo	$953/mo	↓ $6.08less	0.6%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,280/mo	↓ $3.89less	0.3%

Housing

↓ 25.4%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Little Rock, AR

$1,900

Difference

$647

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.4%

Richmond, VA

$632

Little Rock, AR

$534

Difference

$97.53

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.3%

Richmond, VA

$574

Little Rock, AR

$538

Difference

$35.87

less

Other

↓ 1.9%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Little Rock, AR

$1,724

Difference

$33.76

less

Groceries

↓ 0.6%

Richmond, VA

$959

Little Rock, AR

$953

Difference

$6.08

less

Transportation

↓ 0.3%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Little Rock, AR

$1,280

Difference

$3.89

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$1,050

↓ $440

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,061

↓ $499

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,226

↓ $484

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,648

↓ $492

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$6,930

Monthly in Little Rock, AR

$824

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Little Rock

$350K

Median Value

$261K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +1.4%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.2%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$109K - $468K

Homes in Little Rock are 25% less expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Little Rock

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $654

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$54.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Richmond, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.