Amarillo vs Little Rock
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Amarillo
Little Rock
The Verdict
Living in Amarillo costs 11.9% less than Little Rock. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Amarillo, you would need $85,135 in Little Rock.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Amarillo has the same purchasing power as $85,135 in Little Rock.
Conversely, $75,000 in Little Rock equals $66,071 in Amarillo.
Living in Amarillo vs Little Rock
Housing Costs
Amarillo's housing index of 59 is lower Little Rock's 62, translating to median home prices of $195,000 vs $170,000. The $25,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,620 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $975/mo in Amarillo compared to $950/mo in Little Rock, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 92 in Amarillo and 94 in Little Rock. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in Amarillo vs $447/month in Little Rock. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 94 in Amarillo and 88 in Little Rock. Monthly utility bills average approximately $376 in Amarillo vs $352 in Little Rock. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 104 in Amarillo and 90 in Little Rock. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 14-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $58,500 in Amarillo and $47,638 in Little Rock. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $79,054 and $56,712 respectively. Amarillo residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,365/month to housing in Amarillo vs $1,112/month in Little Rock. In Amarillo, median rent of $975/mo fits within this budget. In Little Rock, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 23 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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