Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
56% cheaper
Little Rock is 56% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco 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 San Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $1,030,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $3,400 in San Francisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while San Francisco scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than San Francisco (113).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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