Evansville vs Little Rock
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Evansville
Little Rock
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 4.8%, with Evansville being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Evansville has equivalent purchasing power to $78,750 in Little Rock.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Evansville has the same purchasing power as $78,750 in Little Rock.
Conversely, $75,000 in Little Rock equals $71,429 in Evansville.
Living in Evansville vs Little Rock
Housing Costs
Evansville's housing index of 55 is lower Little Rock's 62, translating to median home prices of $170,000 vs $170,000. The $0 difference in home prices means roughly $0 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $850/mo in Evansville compared to $950/mo in Little Rock, a monthly difference of $100.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 95 in Evansville and 94 in Little Rock. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $451/month in Evansville vs $447/month in Little Rock. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 105 in Evansville and 88 in Little Rock. Monthly utility bills average approximately $420 in Evansville vs $352 in Little Rock. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 105 in Evansville and 90 in Little Rock. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $48,600 in Evansville and $47,638 in Little Rock. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $60,750 and $56,712 respectively. Evansville residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,134/month to housing in Evansville vs $1,112/month in Little Rock. In Evansville, median rent of $850/mo fits within this budget. In Little Rock, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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