Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Little Rock is 26% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $55,263 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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