Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Little Rock is 10% more affordable than Lexington. A $75,000 salary in Lexington 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: Kentucky salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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