Cost of Living in Arkansas
Arkansas has 19 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Median rent is lowest in Pine Bluff at $831/mo and highest in Bella Vista at $1,316/mo.
Arkansas at a Glance
Cities Tracked
19
with census data
Avg Cost Index
98.5
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$992
per month
Avg Household Income
$62,471
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 98.5 | $913 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 98.5 | $913 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Arkansas
State Income Tax
4.40%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.50%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Arkansas
Arkansas Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Little Rock | 202,739 | — | $1,067 | $221,200 | $60,583 |
| Fayetteville | 97,227 | — | $1,003 | $322,500 | $59,074 |
| Fort Smith | 89,496 | — | $852 | $168,100 | $52,692 |
| Springdale | 87,388 | — | $1,008 | $237,200 | $66,044 |
| Jonesboro | 79,187 | — | $926 | $213,400 | $52,559 |
| Rogers | 71,411 | — | $1,182 | $278,000 | $82,993 |
| Conway | 66,288 | — | $986 | $234,600 | $58,461 |
| North Little Rock | 64,504 | — | $1,028 | $169,500 | $51,236 |
| Bentonville | 56,326 | — | $1,238 | $370,700 | $108,465 |
| Pine Bluff | 40,436 | — | $831 | $86,400 | $41,250 |
| Hot Springs | 38,023 | — | $902 | $156,900 | $46,441 |
| Benton | 35,954 | — | $1,003 | $199,400 | $69,638 |
| Sherwood | 32,915 | — | $1,011 | $190,900 | $79,157 |
| Bella Vista | 30,935 | — | $1,316 | $262,400 | $85,932 |
| Paragould | 29,940 | — | $883 | $175,400 | $56,181 |
| Texarkana | 29,343 | — | $893 | $162,700 | $47,930 |
| Jacksonville | 29,285 | 98.5 | $913 | $155,300 | $46,947 |
| Russellville | 29,057 | — | $835 | $166,500 | $48,708 |
| Cabot | 26,733 | — | $974 | $197,000 | $72,656 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Arkansas cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Arkansas cities stack up across the US. For example, Little Rock vs Fayetteville.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Arkansas
What is the cost of living in Arkansas?
The average cost of living index across cities in Arkansas is approximately 98.5 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $992/month and median household income averages around $62,471/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Arkansas?
The most affordable cities in Arkansas by cost of living index are: 1. Jacksonville (index 98.5).
What is the median rent in Arkansas?
The average median gross rent across cities in Arkansas is approximately $992/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Arkansas?
Arkansas's top marginal state income tax rate is 4.40%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Arkansas?
Arkansas's statewide sales tax rate is 6.50%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Arkansas?
Arkansas has a cost of living index of approximately 98.5 and average median rent around $992/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology