Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Little Rock is 8% more affordable than Grand Rapids. A $75,000 salary in Grand Rapids is equivalent to $69,231 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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