Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
56% cheaper
Little Rock is 56% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $33,158 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 Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $1,030,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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