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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Arkansas: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

13.1% below

Cost of living in Arkansas is 13.1% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Arkansas (index 86.9; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Arkansas is $982 a month.

Cost of living in Arkansas by category

Overall prices

86.9U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−13.1% vs. U.S.

Goods
93.6 −6.4%
Housing (rents)
58.2 −41.8%
Utilities
74.7 −25.3%
Other services
95.3 −4.7%

BEA 2024 · Arkansas Details: Overall prices

Housing

$982/mo

Median gross rent

−34% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$794 −39% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$934 −37% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,181 −30% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$215,600 −40% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,375 −32% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$141/mo

Average electric bill

−10% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
14.3¢/kWh −22% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$27.05/Mcf +39% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
74.7

EIA July 2026 · Arkansas Details: Utilities

Transportation

22.7min

Mean travel time to work

−17% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
78.4%
Work from home
8.6%
Gasoline (PADD 3 avg.)
$3.86/gal −11% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$103/wk

Center care, infant

Center care, toddler
$104/wk
Center care, preschool
$93/wk
Home-based care, infant
$93/wk

DOL NDCP 2021 prices · Arkansas county median · no U.S. comparison (different year) Details: Child care

Income

$62,106/yr

Median household income

−24% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
19%
Home value to income
3.5×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Arkansas

Median gross rent in Arkansas is $982 a month, 34% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $750–$999 range, which holds 25.5% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 48.1% pay $1,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $215,600, and 1.7% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Arkansas vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Arkansas: $982; U.S.: $1,487 Arkansas $982 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Arkansas: $1,375; U.S.: $2,035 Arkansas $1,375 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Arkansas: $215,600; U.S.: $360,600 Arkansas $215,600 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureArkansasU.S.
Median monthly rent$982$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,375$2,035
Median home value$215,600$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Arkansas

What renters pay in Arkansas Share of renter households paying cash rent in Arkansas by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 9.9%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 0.7%. Median $982. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 9.9% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 16.5% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 25.5% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 21% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 11.9% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 11.5% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 2.1% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 0.6% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 0.7% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $982 (Arkansas) 25.5%
Show the data table
RangeArkansasU.S.
Less than $5009.9%6.1%
$500–$74916.5%6.8%
$750–$99925.5%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24921%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49911.9%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99911.5%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4992.1%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9990.6%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.3%3.2%
$3,500 or more0.7%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Arkansas

Home values in Arkansas Share of owner-occupied homes in Arkansas by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 21.4%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 0.7%. Median $215,600. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 21.4% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 11.6% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 13.1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 12.5% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 10.4% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 13.9% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 6.8% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 6.5% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 2.2% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 1% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 0.7% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $215,600 (Arkansas) 21.4%
Show the data table
RangeArkansasU.S.
Less than $100,00021.4%10.2%
$100,000–$149,99911.6%5.7%
$150,000–$199,99913.1%7.5%
$200,000–$249,99912.5%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99910.4%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99913.9%15.9%
$400,000–$499,9996.8%12%
$500,000–$749,9996.5%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9992.2%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9991%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more0.7%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Arkansas

Measure Arkansas U.S.
Median rent (all units) $982$1,487
1-bedroom rent $794$1,301
2-bedroom rent $934$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,181$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,375$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Arkansas?

At the median, rent takes about 19% of household income in Arkansas. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $39,300 a year.

The median home is worth $215,600, or 3.5 times the median household income.

Household income in Arkansas

The median household in Arkansas earns $62,106 a year, 24% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 6.6% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 18.8% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Arkansas vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Arkansas: $62,106; U.S.: $81,604 Arkansas $62,106 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureArkansasU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$62,106$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Arkansas

Household income distribution in Arkansas Share of households in Arkansas by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 6%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 6.6%. Median $62,106. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 6% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 4.6% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 4.8% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 4.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 4.4% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 4.1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 7.5% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 10.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 12.8% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.6% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 6.3% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 6.6% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 6.6% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $62,106 (Arkansas) 12.8%
Show the data table
RangeArkansasU.S.
Less than $10,0006%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9994.6%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9994.1%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9994.1%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9994.1%3%
$30,000–$34,9994.8%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9994.3%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9994.4%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9994.1%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9997.5%6.4%
$60,000–$74,99910.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99912.8%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.6%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9996.3%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9996.6%9.7%
$200,000 or more6.6%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Arkansas U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $62,106$81,604
Median home value $215,600$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Arkansas scored 86.9 for all items. The highest category is other services at 95.3; the lowest is housing rents at 58.2.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Arkansas: 86.9; U.S.: 100.0 Arkansas 86.9 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Arkansas: 93.6; U.S.: 99.6 Arkansas 93.6 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Arkansas: 58.2; U.S.: 100.6 Arkansas 58.2 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Arkansas: 74.7; U.S.: 98.4 Arkansas 74.7 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Arkansas: 95.3; U.S.: 100.1 Arkansas 95.3 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureArkansasU.S.
All items86.9100.0
Goods93.699.6
Housing (rents)58.2100.6
Utilities74.798.4
Other services95.3100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Arkansas paid an average of 14.3¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $141 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $27.05 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Arkansas vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Arkansas: 14.3¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Arkansas 14.3¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Arkansas: $141; U.S.: $157 Arkansas $141 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Arkansas: $27.05; U.S.: $19.40 Arkansas $27.05 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureArkansasU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)14.3¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$141$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$27.05$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Arkansas who commute spend an average of 22.7 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (78.4% of workers); 8.6% work from home. Gasoline in the Gulf Coast region (PADD 3), which includes Arkansas, averaged $3.86 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Arkansas price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Arkansas: Drove alone 78.4%, Carpooled 10%, Public transit 0.3%, Walked 1.1%, Bicycle 0.2%, Worked from home 8.6%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.4%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Arkansas: Drove alone. Arkansas Arkansas · Drove alone: 78.4% 78.4% Arkansas · Carpooled: 10% Arkansas · Public transit: 0.3% Arkansas · Walked: 1.1% Arkansas · Bicycle: 0.2% Arkansas · Worked from home: 8.6% Arkansas · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.4% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationArkansasU.S.
Drove alone78.4%69.2%
Carpooled10%9.2%
Public transit0.3%3.7%
Walked1.1%2.4%
Bicycle0.2%0.5%
Worked from home8.6%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.4%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Arkansas

Travel time to work in Arkansas Share of workers who do not work from home in Arkansas by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 4.5%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 1.8%. Mean 22.7 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 4.5% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 12.3% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 16.1% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 18% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 14.3% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 6.7% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 11.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 2.7% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 5.8% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 3.8% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 1.8% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 22.7 min (Arkansas) 18%
Show the data table
RangeArkansasU.S.
Less than 5 min4.5%2.8%
5–9 min12.3%9.4%
10–14 min16.1%13.1%
15–19 min18%15%
20–24 min14.3%14.1%
25–29 min6.7%7%
30–34 min11.2%13.7%
35–39 min2.9%3.4%
40–44 min2.7%4.1%
45–59 min5.8%8.3%
60–89 min3.8%6.3%
90 min or more1.8%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Arkansas

In 2021, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $103 a week in the median Arkansas county, or $5,330 over 52 weeks. These are 2021 prices, the most recent year the database has for Arkansas, and are not adjusted for inflation. The U.S. county median is for 2022, a different year, so no percentage comparison is shown.

Weekly child care prices

Type of care Arkansas (county median), 2021 U.S. (county median), 2022
Center-based care, infant $103$174
Center-based care, toddler $104$153
Center-based care, preschool $93$144
Center-based care, school-age $83$120
Home-based family care, infant $93$143
Home-based family care, toddler $95$132
Home-based family care, preschool $89$131
Home-based family care, school-age $86$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2021 (U.S.: 2022) and are not adjusted for inflation. The U.S. comparison uses a different year, so no percentage is shown. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Arkansas prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Arkansas?

Median rent is $794 for a one-bedroom and $934 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Arkansas?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 51.9% pay less than $1,000 a month, 44.4% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 3.7% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Arkansas?

To keep the median rent of $982 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $39,300 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Arkansas more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Arkansas at 86.9 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 13.1% below average. Housing rents score 58.2.

How long is the average commute in Arkansas?

22.7 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Arkansas?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $103 a week in the median Arkansas county in 2021, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.