Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A medical assistant in Little Rock earns roughly $31,709/yr (~$2,007/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,000/mo — that's 50% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
AR · 2026
Can a Medical Assistant 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 a medical assistant in Little Rock, AR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$31,709/yr local estimate
$2,642
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$635
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,007
1BR rent
50% 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
$127
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a medical assistant in Little Rock could save roughly $612/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 50% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 50% of take-home pay, a medical assistant in Little Rock is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $31,709/yr — adjusted from the national Medical Assistant median of $38,270/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 Medical Assistant
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 Medical Assistant in Little Rock?
A Medical Assistant in Little Rock earns approximately $31,709 per year, based on the national BLS median of $38,270/yr adjusted for Little Rock's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Little Rock affordable for a medical assistant in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 50% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Little Rock more feasible on a medical assistant salary.
How much take-home pay does a Medical Assistant get in Little Rock?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Medical Assistant earning $31,709/yr takes home roughly $2,007/month in Little Rock.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Medical Assistant in Little Rock?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Little Rock costs a median of $1,000/month. On a Medical Assistant salary, that's 50% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.