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Cost of Living in Little Rock, AR (72212)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$17.18 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$71,472 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$6,422 / mo2.2x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Little Rock (72212)

Evaluating relocation options in Pulaski? The financial baseline for residing in Little Rock, AR (72212) indicates that a single adult needs roughly $2,978 monthly to cover basic survival expenses.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $715 per month—just 24% of baseline expenses—Little Rock offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Arkansas.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Little Rock (72212) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,978/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $71,472 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.18/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Little Rock increase to $6,422 per month ($77,064/year)—approximately 2.2x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $69,917, local wages provide a 1.96x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $777 monthly in 72212, coupled with $396 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $466 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

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Recalculate costs based on your family size

Total Monthly Cost$2,978Est. $35,739 / year
Housing / Rent$71524.0% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$268Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$69,917Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$715
Food$268
Transportation$777
Healthcare$396
Taxes$466
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Little Rock (72212)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Little Rock, AR (72212)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Little Rock (72212) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.18/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Little Rock (72212)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $71,472 to live comfortably in Little Rock (72212).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Little Rock (72212)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Little Rock (72212) are $6,422 per month ($77,064 per year).