Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Little Rock is 10% more affordable than Columbus. A $75,000 salary in Columbus is equivalent to $67,742 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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