Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A accountant in Little Rock earns roughly $66,186/yr (~$3,858/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,000/mo — that's 26% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
AR · 2026
Can an Accountant Afford to Live in Little Rock?
Using local salary estimates and Little Rock's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for an accountant in Little Rock, AR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$66,186/yr local estimate
$5,516
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$1,658
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$3,858
1BR rent
26% of take-home
-$1,000
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$160
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$370
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$1,978
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a accountant in Little Rock could save roughly $9,492/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 26% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 26% of take-home pay, a accountant in Little Rock is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $66,186/yr — adjusted from the national Accountant median of $79,880/yr based on Little Rock's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Little Rock for a Accountant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Hillcrest
Historic, tree-lined residential area with bungalows and established families.
SoMa (South Main)
Walkable, artsy district with lofts, galleries, coffee shops, and young professionals.
Heights
Upscale residential neighborhood with newer homes and good schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Accountant in Little Rock?
A Accountant in Little Rock earns approximately $66,186 per year, based on the national BLS median of $79,880/yr adjusted for Little Rock's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Little Rock affordable for a accountant in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 26% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A accountant can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Accountant get in Little Rock?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Accountant earning $66,186/yr takes home roughly $3,858/month in Little Rock.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Accountant in Little Rock?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Little Rock costs a median of $1,000/month. On a Accountant salary, that's 26% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.