Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR [2025]

Dreaming of a city with Southern charm and a modern edge? Look no further than Little Rock, Arkansas! This vibrant slice of history on the banks of the Arkansas River offers more than just delicious barbecue and collegiate spirit – it boasts a thriving rental market and an overall fantastic cost of living.

Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a seasoned soul seeking a slower pace, understanding the rental landscape is crucial to setting up roots in Little Rock. This blog is your guide to understanding how to budget everything - from monthly rent, transportation, groceries, and taxes.

Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR

What Is the Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR?

Living in Little Rock means enjoying a lower-than-average cost of living, with housing and healthcare especially budget-friendly. Plus, you’ll be able to spend that extra money on a bit of fun! Compared to the rest of the U.S., your dollar will stretch further and give you a higher quality of life.

What Is the Average Rent in Little Rock, AR?

Renting in Little Rock is very affordable compared to many other U.S. cities. On average, a one-bedroom is about $957 per month, while a two-bedroom comes in at $1,131 - leaving plenty of room in your budget for enjoying the city’s great restaurants, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local culture.

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Little Rock, AR?

From the charm of Hillcrest at just $859 to the buzz of John Barrow at $1,200, one-bedroom rents in Little Rock offer something for every lifestyle and budget. Riverdale and Midtown land comfortably in the middle, giving renters plenty of great options.

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Little Rock, AR?

Two-bedroom apartments in Little Rock range from $1,100 in the cozy Hillcrest neighborhood to $1,349 in lively John Barrow, with Midtown and Riverdale offering great middle-ground options for renters.

How Much Is Housing in Little Rock?

In Little Rock, the median home price is $221,200, which is a bit higher than the Arkansas average of $175,300, but still a great deal compared to many cities across the country. Buyers here can enjoy the perks of city living with a price tag that’s far more approachable than the national median of $303,400.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Little Rock, AR?

A good rule of thumb to live by is the 30% rule: ideally you want to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. So if the median one-bedroom rent in Little Rock is about $957 per month, you’ll need a monthly gross income of $3,190. That works out to roughly $18.40 per hour.

Also, for context, MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates a living wage in Little Rock at $20.39/hr for a single adult and $24.08/hr for a family of four. This is meant to cover bare necessities - not extras like travel, debt, or savings.

Since Little Rock’s median household income is around $60,583, many locals would already clear that baseline comfortably. If you want to run the numbers for your own ideal rent or desired neighborhood, try using our rent calculator to instantly see which apartments fit your budget.

How Much Is Transportation in Little Rock, AR?

Transportation expenses for a single adult in Little Rock are estimated at $10,377 per year according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, which works out to about $865 per month. For a family of four, that cost climbs up to $17,406 annually, or $1,450 per month.

Walking, public transportation, and biking are fairly modest here. The city average Walk Score is 33, Transit Score is 19, and Bike Score is 32, indicating a car-dependent environment. If you’d rather not drive, consider neighborhoods like Downtown or Hillcrest - those tend to rank higher in walkability and might save you a bit on transportation.

How Much Are Groceries in Little Rock?

Groceries in Little Rock are refreshingly affordable compared to many U.S. cities. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult spends $4,045 per year on food while a family of four spends $11,858. That means you can plan your grocery budget easily and still leave room for the occasional dinner out.

Speaking of eating out, you’ll find those prices to be wallet-friendly too - an expensive meal is about $18, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will be about $60, according to Numbeo. Day-to-day essentials are budget-friendly too: think $1.05 for a liter of milk and $3.44 for a loaf of bread.

And of course, being in Arkansas, you’ll want to sample the local flavors: fried pickles, hushpuppies, fried catfish, and barbecue all are must-trys. Little Rock makes it easy to balance everyday groceries and still enjoy meals out.

How Much Is Child Care in Little Rock?

Child care is a significant expense for families in Little Rock. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single parent with one child needs approximately $10,235 to cover child care costs. For two kids, that rises to $20,621 per year. In general, Little Rock is a very affordable city, but this expense will take a bigger cut of the budget.

How Much Is Healthcare in Little Rock?

Healthcare costs in Little Rock are another significant part of the budget. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult needs $2,956 to cover healthcare expenses, while a family of four requires about $8,577 per year. These figures encompass health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and other related costs.

How Much Are Utilities in Little Rock?

Utilities in Little Rock are surprisingly manageable, making life a bit easier on the wallet. For a typical 85m² apartment, Numbeo calculates that basic services average around $240 per month. Add in a mobile phone plan with 10GB data then you’ll spend additional $61 per month. Internet service (60 Mbps or more) will cost about $71 per month.

Little Rock Fitness and Entertainment

Staying active and entertained in Little Rock won’t break the bank. According to Numbeo, a monthly fitness club membership is $53, while renting a tennis court on the weekend is about $12 per hour. And movie lovers can catch the latest release for $12.50 a seat.

Fantastic entertainment that’s free or low cost is also widely available in Little Rock. From catching a show at the historic Arkansas Repertory Theatre to strolling through galleries of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, there’s something for every cultural taste. If you’re into science, you should definitely check out the Museum of Discovery, where there’s interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Riverfront Park, with stunning strolls along the Arkansas River, or the hidden gem, Bernice Garden, which is bursting with colorful blooms and serene walking paths. And of course, the live music scene is amazing, where you can enjoy everything from blues and bluegrass to indie rock and jazz.

How Much Are Taxes in Little Rock, AR?

Taxes in Little Rock are fairly moderate compared to other U.S. cities. The combined 2025 sales tax rate - including state, county, and city taxes - comes to 8.63%. Arkansas overall ranks 36th in the nation for tax burden, so while you’ll notice taxes on goods and services, they’re not likely to derail your budget. It’s a rate that keeps city services running smoothly without feeling too heavy on your wallet.

Little Rock’s Job Market

Little Rock’s job market is steady and welcoming, with an unemployment rate of just 3.7%, making it easier for job seekers to find opportunities across a variety of industries. The city boasts a mix of public and private employers, providing a stable foundation for career growth and economic security.

Major employers include the government, University of Arkansas, Baptist Health, Little Rock Air Force Base, Little Rock School District as well as private companies like AT&T, Verizon, Union Pacific Railroad, and Hewlett Packard. Whether you’re interested in education, healthcare, technology, or logistics, Little Rock offers a very diverse range of employment opportunities.

Find Your Next Apartment in Little Rock, AR

Are you moving to Little Rock, Arkansas? Take our personalized quiz about your budget, location, and amenities, and boom – we'll reveal a curated list of apartments that tick all your boxes. Looking for a high-rise with rooftop views? A cozy studio apartment? A dog-friendly apartment or a full kitchen? We've got you covered! With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: What to Know About the Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR 2025

Is Little Rock expensive to live in?

Not only is Little Rock 2% less expensive on average than the rest of the country, according to the MIT calculator the living wage is just $20.39/hour or roughly $42,371 per year. For context, the median household income in Little Rock is $60,583. So no, we don’t think it’s an expensive place to live compared to other major cities!

Is Little Rock a good place to live?

Little Rock is a highly affordable place to live that consistently ranks as one of the best places in Arkansas. It’s a small city, but there’s a growing amount of bars, trails, parks, museums, and restaurants. In fact, it’s starting to gain a reputation as a foodie destination.

Is 100K a good salary in Little Rock?

Absolutely! A $100,000 salary in Little Rock provides a comfortable lifestyle, well above the city’s median household income of $60,583, giving plenty of room for housing, dining, entertainment, and savings.