Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physical therapist in Little Rock earns roughly $82,617/yr (~$4,816/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,000/mo — that's 21% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
AR · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist 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 physical therapist in Little Rock, AR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$82,617/yr local estimate
$6,885
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$2,069
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,816
1BR rent
21% 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
$2,936
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Little Rock could save roughly $14,088/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 21% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 21% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Little Rock is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $82,617/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/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 Physical Therapist
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 Physical Therapist in Little Rock?
A Physical Therapist in Little Rock earns approximately $82,617 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Little Rock's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Little Rock affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 21% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physical therapist can live comfortably in Little Rock with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Little Rock?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $82,617/yr takes home roughly $4,816/month in Little Rock.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Little Rock?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Little Rock costs a median of $1,000/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 21% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.