Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Little Rock is 23% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $57,798 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Little Rock scores 94 while Plano scores 98.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Plano (100).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
Amazon affiliate links