Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
48% cheaper
Little Rock is 48% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $38,889 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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