Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Little Rock is 18% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $61,165 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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