📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between North Little Rock and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
North Little Rock vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
Candidate A
North Little Rock
AR
Cost Index 89.1
Median Income $51k
Rent (1BR) $950
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | North Little Rock | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $51,236 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $206,800 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $127 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $950 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 67.3 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.1 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 671.9 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 30.1% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let's settle this once and for all. You’re staring at two very different paths: the sprawling, high-energy giant of Texas versus the compact, under-the-radar gem of Arkansas. On paper, they’re worlds apart. But in reality, which one actually gives you a better life?
As your relocation expert, I’m not just going to spit back data. We’re going to dig into the soul of these cities, crunch the numbers on your wallet, and find out where you can actually live versus just survive. Grab a coffee; this is the deep dive you need.
The Vibe Check: Big Energy vs. Big Chill
Houston is the definition of a powerhouse. It’s the fourth-largest city in the U.S., a global energy hub, and home to NASA. The vibe is relentlessly ambitious, diverse, and fast-paced. You’ll find world-class dining (forgetting about Texas barbecue is a crime), a legendary arts scene, and a population that’s constantly in motion. It’s for the go-getter who thrives on big-city energy, wants endless options, and doesn’t mind the hustle. Think of it as a city that never sleeps, but might keep you up with its traffic.
North Little Rock (often just called "NLR" by locals) is the laid-back, friendly sibling to Arkansas’s capital. It’s not trying to be a global player; it’s trying to be a great place to live. The vibe is community-focused, slower, and deeply rooted in Southern hospitality. It’s perfect for someone who wants genuine connections, a break from the rat race, and easy access to nature (the Arkansas River and the Ozarks are right there). It’s for the person who values quality of life over constant stimulation.
Who is it for?
- Houston is for the career-driven, the foodie, the culture seeker, and anyone who wants to be in the center of the action.
- North Little Rock is for the budget-conscious, the outdoor enthusiast, the family-oriented, and anyone seeking a simpler, quieter lifestyle.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. We’ll assume a median income for a fair comparison, but the real magic is in the taxes.
The Tax Advantage:
- Houston (Texas): 0% state income tax. That’s a massive win. If you earn $100,000, you keep more of it right off the bat.
- North Little Rock (Arkansas): Has a state income tax. For a $100,000 income, you’re looking at a marginal rate of 3.9% - 4.4%. That’s real money leaving your paycheck.
Cost of Living Table:
Here’s the raw data, but remember, it’s not just about the price tag—it’s about what that price gets you.
| Category | Houston | North Little Rock | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $206,800 | $128,200 cheaper in NLR | North Little Rock |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $950 | $185 cheaper in NLR | North Little Rock |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 67.3 | NLR is 37% less expensive | North Little Rock |
| Median Income | $62,637 | $51,236 | Houston earns 22% more | Houston |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s break this down. If you earn the Houston median of $62,637, your money goes further in North Little Rock, but you’d take a pay cut moving there. The real question is: if you earn the same salary in both cities, where does it feel like more?
Winner for Purchasing Power: North Little Rock.
The math is stark. Even with a slightly lower median income, the housing costs are dramatically lower. The Housing Index (where 100 is the national average) tells the story: Houston is 6.5% above average, while North Little Rock is a staggering 32.7% below. For the same $100,000 salary, your housing costs (either rent or mortgage) will consume a much smaller slice of your pie in Arkansas. You’ll likely afford a larger home with a yard in NLR on a six-figure salary than you would in Houston. The lack of state income tax in Texas helps Houston keep pace, but it can't overcome the massive housing cost gap.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston:
The market is hot and competitive. With a population of over 2.3 million, demand is fierce, especially in desirable neighborhoods inside the 610 Loop. Median home prices at $335,000 are high, but compared to coastal cities, it’s still a "deal." You get a lot of house for your money, but you’ll likely face bidding wars. It’s a strong seller’s market. Renting is viable, but prices are climbing. It’s a city where buying is often a better long-term investment due to the constant influx of workers.
North Little Rock:
The market is far more relaxed. With a population of just 64,504, inventory is tighter but competition is lower. A median home price of $206,800 is incredibly accessible. You can find a solid, 3-bedroom family home for well under $250k. It’s more of a balanced market, leaning slightly toward buyers. Renting is affordable and less cutthroat. For someone looking to buy their first home without a massive down payment or bidding wars, NLR is a dream.
Verdict: For buying, North Little Rock is the easier path. For a dynamic, investment-focused housing market, Houston has more momentum.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: This is a HUGE dealbreaker. The city is sprawled out, public transit is limited (mostly park-and-ride), and you need a car. Commutes can be brutal. Average commute times are around 28 minutes, but that can easily stretch to an hour or more in traffic. It’s a car-dependent, gridlock-prone beast.
- North Little Rock: Almost non-existent by comparison. The city is compact, traffic is minimal, and commutes are short. You can get across town in 15-20 minutes easily. The stress of daily traffic is virtually eliminated.
Winner for Low Stress: North Little Rock (by a landslide).
Weather
Both cities have humid subtropical climates, but with a twist.
- Houston: Hot, sticky, and long. Summers are brutal, with highs routinely hitting 90°F+ from May to October. Humidity is oppressive. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing), but you get the occasional cold snap. Hurricane season (June-Nov) is a real threat.
- North Little Rock: Also hot and humid in summer, but slightly less intense and shorter. Winters are colder, with more frequent snow and ice storms (a major disruption for a city not built for it). Tornado season is a spring reality.
Verdict: It’s a toss-up. If you hate the cold, Houston wins. If you hate hurricane risk and extreme summer heat, North Little Rock might be slightly better. Both have significant weather challenges.
Crime & Safety
Let’s be direct and honest with the data. We’re using Violent Crime rates per 100,000 people (lower is better).
- Houston: 912.4 per 100k. This is above the national average (~398). While Houston is vast and very safe in many affluent suburbs (like The Woodlands or Sugar Land), the city-wide average is elevated. You must be savvy about neighborhoods.
- North Little Rock: 671.9 per 100k. This is also above the national average, but notably lower than Houston’s rate. However, it’s still a consideration for a city of its size.
Verdict: Neither wins a "safe city" award. North Little Rock has a statistically lower violent crime rate than Houston. However, both cities require due diligence in choosing your neighborhood. Safety is hyper-local.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?
This isn’t about which city is "better"—it’s about which city is better for you.
| Winner For... | The City | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | North Little Rock | The median home price of $206,800 is a game-changer. You can own a spacious home with a yard, in a community-oriented environment, on a middle-class income. Lower crime rates (vs. Houston) and minimal traffic add to the quality-of-life factor. |
| Singles/Young Pros | Houston | The career opportunities are unmatched. The food, arts, and nightlife scene is infinite. You’ll meet more people, have more networking opportunities, and have more fun. The higher median income ($62,637) and lack of state tax fuel a more dynamic lifestyle. |
| Retirees | North Little Rock | Stretching a fixed income is critical. The 32.7% below-average housing costs mean your retirement savings go much further. The slower pace, friendly community, and easier navigation are huge perks. (Note: Houston has world-class medical care, which is a major plus for retirees with health concerns). |
Final Pros & Cons
Houston: Pros
- World-class job market (energy, medical, aerospace).
- Unbeatable food scene & cultural diversity.
- 0% state income tax.
- Major international airport (IAH).
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
Houston: Cons
- BRUTAL traffic and sprawl.
- Oppressive summer heat & humidity.
- Higher violent crime rate (912.4/100k).
- Expensive housing and rising costs.
- Hurricane risk.
North Little Rock: Pros
- Extremely affordable housing (median home $206,800).
- Minimal traffic, easy commutes.
- Strong sense of community & Southern charm.
- Proximity to outdoor recreation (rivers, lakes, Ozarks).
- Lower cost of living overall.
North Little Rock: Cons
- Limited job opportunities (especially high-paying corporate roles).
- Smaller, less diverse cultural scene.
- State income tax.
- Colder winters with ice/snow storms.
- Crime is still a consideration (though lower than Houston).
The Bottom Line:
Choose Houston if you’re chasing career growth, crave big-city amenities, and can handle the traffic and heat. Choose North Little Rock if you’re prioritizing affordability, a slower pace, and the ability to own a home without breaking the bank. Your money, and your sanity, will thank you.