Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
49% cheaper
Little Rock is 49% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $38,182 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $610,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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