Cost of living in Arkansas
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Arkansas are 13.1% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 86.9 (U.S. = 100), making it the #1 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Arkansas with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Arkansas prices
- 11.6% pricier
- Take-home in Arkansas at $75,000
- $59,305$4,942 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $66,209$5,517 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −7.0%−$4,616 a year in Arkansas buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Arkansas take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Arkansas with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Arkansas as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Arkansas? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Arkansas prices by category
| Category | Arkansas | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 86.9 | −13.1% |
| Goods | 93.6 | −6.4% |
| Housing (rent) | 58.2 | −41.8% |
| Utilities | 74.7 | −25.3% |
| Other services | 95.3 | −4.7% |
Low housing costs keep Arkansas affordable: rents run 42% below average. The overall price level rose 0.1% relative to the nation versus 2023 (86.8). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Arkansas, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,007 | $40,993 | $47,152 | $57,513 |
| $75,000 | $15,695 | $59,305 | $68,216 | $86,269 |
| $100,000 | $24,032 | $75,968 | $87,382 | $115,026 |
At $75,000, Arkansas ranks #4 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Arkansas paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Arkansas equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Arkansas. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Arkansas once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | +4.5% | $78,347 | $79,396 |
| Tennessee | +5.7% | $79,256 | $76,532 |
| Mississippi | +0.0% | $75,014 | $74,987 |
| Louisiana | +1.5% | $76,096 | $75,657 |
| Texas | +11.6% | $83,730 | $81,562 |
| Oklahoma | +1.0% | $75,782 | $76,762 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | +0.9% | $75,712 | $75,712 |
| California | +27.4% | $95,517 | $104,525 |
| Hawaii | +26.5% | $94,854 | $103,204 |
| Washington, DC | +26.4% | $94,811 | $102,288 |
| New Jersey | +25.2% | $93,865 | $99,737 |
| Florida | +19.0% | $89,215 | $87,726 |
| New York | +24.1% | $93,103 | $99,600 |
Moving from Arkansas to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Arkansas expensive to live in?
Arkansas has a price level of 86.9 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 13.1% below the national average. It ranks #1 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Arkansas?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $65,203 in Arkansas before taxes. After Arkansas taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,305 — worth $68,216 at U.S.-average prices, #4 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Arkansas?
Arkansas's housing price level is 58.2, meaning rents are 41.8% below the national average. Goods are 93.6 and utilities 74.7.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Mississippi (price level 87.0, +0.0% vs Arkansas). A $75,000 Arkansas salary is equivalent to $74,987 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.