Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Little Rock is 6% more affordable than Des Moines. A $75,000 salary in Des Moines is equivalent to $70,787 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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