Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Little Rock is 3% more affordable than Birmingham. A $75,000 salary in Birmingham is equivalent to $72,414 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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