Moving from Little Rock to Houston (2026)

Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 82 for Little Rock (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 16% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$25 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
82 โ†’ 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100 โ†’ $1,350
per month
State tax
4.4% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
82 โ†’ 95
16% more expensive

Salary needed in Houston to match your Little Rock lifestyle

Based on the 16% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in Little RockEquivalent in Houston
$40K$46,341
$50K$57,927
$60K$69,512
$75K$86,890
$80K$92,683
$100K$115,854
$120K$139,024
$150K$173,780

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$318/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Little Rock vs Houston

ExpenseLittle RockHouston
Monthly take-home$4,466$4,741
1BR rent$1,100$1,350
Groceries$353$357
Transport$40$90
Utilities$168$175
Internet$58$65
Left after essentials$2,747$2,704

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston cheaper than Little Rock?

No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 82 for Little Rock (100 = US average). That's about 16% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Little Rock to Houston?

On a $75K salary, moving from Little Rock to Houston saves roughly $25/month on core expenses. That's ~$300/year.

What salary do I need in Houston to match my Little Rock lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Little Rock, you'd need roughly $86,890/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only