Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Little Rock is 15% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $63,636 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arkansas salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while Mesa scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Mesa (95).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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