Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Little Rock is 5% more affordable than Knoxville. A $75,000 salary in Knoxville is equivalent to $71,591 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Knoxville scores 94 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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