Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Little Rock is 16% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $63,000 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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