Little Rock vs Lowell

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Little Rock has the same purchasing power as $116,964 in Lowell.

Conversely, $75,000 in Lowell equals $48,092 in Little Rock.

Living in Little Rock vs Lowell

Housing Costs

Little Rock's housing index of 62 is lower Lowell's 152, translating to median home prices of $170,000 vs $429,000. The $259,000 difference in home prices means roughly $16,836 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Little Rock compared to $1,925/mo in Lowell, a monthly difference of $975.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 94 in Little Rock and 104 in Lowell. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $447/month in Little Rock vs $494/month in Lowell. Little Rock offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $564/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 88 in Little Rock and 151 in Lowell. Monthly utility bills average approximately $352 in Little Rock vs $604 in Lowell. 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 90 in Little Rock and 118 in Lowell. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 28-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $47,638 in Little Rock and $79,700 in Lowell. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $56,712 and $60,840 respectively. Lowell residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,112/month to housing in Little Rock vs $1,860/month in Lowell. In Little Rock, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Lowell, median rent of $1,925/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 90 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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