Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR [2024]
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 aims to be your one-stop guide, diving deep into rental prices, neighborhood hotspots, and lifestyle factors that shape your Little Rock experience. We'll crunch the numbers, analyze trends, and sprinkle in local insights to help you navigate your rental journey with confidence.
Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR
What Is the Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR?
Here's the good news: compared to the national average, Little Rock boasts a cost of living that's a cool 4% lower than the country overall. For many movers, this might translate to slightly more breathing room in your budget. But keep in mind that if you’re moving within Arkansas, Little Rock’s cost of living is 4% higher than the rest of the state.
If you need to check the cost of living in Little Rock against your current city, you can use our cost of living comparison tool!
Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Little Rock, AR?
According to our rental listings, Downtown Little Rock is the most expensive area for renters, with average 2-Bedroom listings running around $1,425 a month and as high as $2,500.
Where Is the Cost of Living Lowest in Little Rock, AR?
The most affordable area for renters according to current listings are the neighborhoods immediately north of the city around Midtown. The current average price for a 2-Bedroom in Midtown is $999.
How Much Is Rent in Little Rock, AR?
Currently, you can snag a cozy studio in Little Rock for around $686 or a one-bedroom apartment averages a comfy $907. Two-bedroom havens come in at $1,111, while larger families can settle into a 3+ bedroom spread for around $1,404.
But remember, these are just city-wide averages! Let’s take a look at the highs and lows for rent in the city:
| Location | Average 1-Bedroom | Average 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock (Overall) | $907 | $1,111 |
| Downtown | $938 | $1,404 |
| Midtown | $841 | $999 |
How Much Is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Little Rock, AR?
One bedroom apartments in Little Rock currently start at $552 a month and average $907 a month across the city. The current highest listing is $1,650.
How Much Is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Little Rock, AR?
To rent a 2-Bedroom apartment in Little Rock, you’ll spend on average $1,111. The current lowest listing we have is $725, while the highest listing is $2,500.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Little Rock?
If you were moving as a single individual into a one-bedroom apartment in Little Rock, you’ll be spending an average of $907 a month on rent, which means to keep your rent at 30% of your earnings, you would need to earn $3,023.33 a month or just over $36,000 a year.
Furthermore, the actual average income in the city is $58,697. That means that not only is living in Little Rock affordable for many singles, you may also have an easier time finding employment that allows you to live very comfortably.
Child care costs add considerably to your expenses, however, such that 2 working adults with 2 children would each need to earn $36.56 an hour in order to live in Little Rock.
How Much are Utilities in Little Rock?
Renters in Little Rock, AR spend an average of $261.36 a month for electricity, gas, water, and fuel, which is slightly higher than the national average of $253.14.
| Location | Electricity | Gas | Water | Fuel | All |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $168.98 | $47.63 | $43.96 | $0.80 | $261.36 |
| National Avg | $150.93 | $51.12 | $45.52 | $5.57 | $253.14 |
How Much Is Child Care in Little Rock?
Child care in Little Rock for one child costs an average of $7,620 a year. For two children, that numbers goes up to $15,240, and for three, it rises to $22,860
How Much Is Transportation in Little Rock?
Transportation costs are rising across the country, and Little Rock is no exception. A single adult should expect to spend an average of $5,477 on transportation per year, while a family of four (2 adult parents and 2 children) will pay an average of $14,484.
How Much are Food Costs in Little Rock?
Little Rock, like the rest of the country, saw grocery prices rise in 2023. A single adult in Little Rock will spend an average of $3,926 on food per year, while a family of four (2 adults 2 children) will spend $11,564.
If you’re looking to eat out, you’ll also find savings on dining as well. For simple lunchtime fare, expect to pay around $16 (or $11 if you want fast food). But of course, if you have more to spend, there’s plenty of fine dining options for you to explore within the city.
Little Rock Fitness & Entertainment
We don’t have aggregate data on fitness costs in Little Rock, but to provide some context for the area, Planet Fitness currently offers memberships at $25 a month or $199 per year in the North Little Rock area. Members of the public are also invited to use the University of Arkansas fitness center and pool at the rate of $25 a month for a single individual or $6 for a day pass.
Fantastic entertainment that's free or low cost is widely available in Little Rock. From catching a show at the historic Arkansas Repertory Theatre to strolling through the galleries of the Arkansas Arts Center, there's something for every cultural taste. For a touch of science and wonder, the Museum of Discovery is a must-visit, with interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
The Riverfront Park offers stunning strolls along the Arkansas River, while the Bernice Garden, a hidden gem, bursts with colorful blooms and serene walking paths. And no trip to Little Rock would be complete without experiencing its live music scene, with local pubs and clubs hosting everything from blues and bluegrass to indie rock and jazz.
Find Your Next Apartment in Little Rock, AR
Ready to say find your next home in Little Rock? Just answer a few questions about your budget, location, and amenities, and boom – we'll reveal a curated list of apartments that tick all your boxes. Think rooftop cocktails with city views? Cozy coffee shops on your doorstep? Dog-friendly parks for weekend adventures? We've got you covered!
You can also go straight to our current apartment listings in Little Rock to start exploring what's available!
Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR FAQs
Is Little Rock Expensive to Live in?
Not only is Little Rock 4% less expensive on average than the rest of the country, we estimate that the average cost of living for a single individual looking to rent a one-bedroom in the city is just over $36,000 a year. 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. In 2022/2023 it was ranked the 87th best place to live in the country, though it fell to 102 last year.
Do You Get $10,000 to Move to Arkansas?
The Little Rock Regional Chamber did indeed offer out-of-state residents $10,000 to move to central Arkansas, but the program ended in 2023. You can read more about the initiative, which was called “Love, Little Rock,” here.
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