Moving from Des Moines to Little Rock (2026)
Little Rock has a COL index of 82 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Little Rock to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Little Rock |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,701 |
| $50K | $47,126 |
| $60K | $56,552 |
| $75K | $70,690 |
| $80K | $75,402 |
| $100K | $94,253 |
| $120K | $113,103 |
| $150K | $141,379 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Little Rock
| Expense | Des Moines | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,466 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $365 | $353 |
| Transport | $50 | $40 |
| Utilities | $155 | $168 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $2,747 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Little Rock cheaper than Des Moines?
Yes. Little Rock has a cost of living index of 82 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Little Rock?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Little Rock could save roughly $111/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,332/year.
What salary do I need in Little Rock to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $70,690/year in Little Rock. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only