Cost of Living in Arkansas 2026
11%
|
Lower Than National Avg.
Arkansas's 2026 cost of living is
$2203 per month for singles and $4850 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Arkansas are 11% lower than the U.S. national average.
Use Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator to make informed decisions about living and working in your ideal location.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Arkansas's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Arkansas is more expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 25.0% lower than average($900
per month for a single person and $1650 per month for a family of four).
Food expenses run 4.0%
below average at $384
monthly for an individual and $1248 for a family,
while utilities, transportation and healthcare costs are 12.7% lower at about $764 per month
for one person and $1691 for a household.
| Expense Category |
Average Monthly Expense Single Person |
Average Monthly Expense Family of Four |
Compare Arkansas to: U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
|
900 | 1650 |
|
|
384 | 1248 |
|
|
163 | 279 |
|
|
352 | 748 |
|
|
249 | 664 |
|
2026 Cost of Living: Arkansas Major Cities vs. National Average?
The cost of living varies across major Arkansas cities. Little Rock, Jacksonville,
Conway ranking as the most expensive. Among Arkansas cities, Pine Bluff,
Fort Smith, Jonesboro have the lowest cost of living.
Cost of Living Index in Major Cities of Arkansas
A comparison of the Cost of Living indexes across major Arkansas Cities compared to the national average.
The calculations are based on the total cost of energy, food, healthcare, housing and transportation, among other factors.
About Arkansas
Arkansas (/ˈɑːrkənsɔː/ AR-kən-saw)[c] is a state in the southern region of the United States, home to over 3 million people as of 2018. Its name is of Siouan derivation from the language of the Osage denoting their related kin, the Quapaw Indians. The state's diverse geography ranges from the mountainous regions of the Ozark and the Ouachita Mountains, which make up the U.S. Interior Highlands, to the densely forested land in the south known as the Arkansas Timberlands, to the eastern lowlands along the Mississippi River and the Arkansas Delta.
Arkansas is the 29th largest by area and the 33rd...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the Cost of Living in Arkansas
Healthcare access and affordability and your cost of living
Arkansas is ranked number 35 out of all states in overall healthcare access and affordability.
Healthcare costs make up a significant part of the cost of living. The ability to afford healthcare as well as the ability to access care are key indicators of how much you will be paying for this important resource if you move to another state. Affordability is generally measured by the rates set for insurance coverage in a state, as well as the out-of-pocket expenses that need to be paid by you when receiving the care. If rates or out-of-pocket expenses are high, your cost of living will increase. Access to healthcare is how easy or difficult it may be to receive the care. Access is measured by identifying barriers that might prevent the delivery of care such as the inability to obtain insurance coverage, having to travel long distances to health care centers and lack of sufficient facilities and/or healthcare professionals. The timeliness of care, how fast you can get to see a healthcare provider, is another important measure.
(
2026-03-26
salary.com
)
Hot summers and the cost of living
Arkansas has one of the highest state-wide average temperatures during the summer months of June, July, and August. If you live in Arkansas, it is likely that your air conditioner will be running non-stop for most of the summer. This could contribute to higher energy costs during the summer based on your thermostat setting and preference for a cool indoor climate. A hot summer is usually followed by cooler temperatures during the winter months when heating expenses may be low. Because the cost of living is linked to energy costs, expect an increase in those costs during the summer months if you live in Arkansas. (
2026-03-26
salary.com
)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
(
2026-03-26
salary.com
)
What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
(
2026-03-26
salary.com
)
The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in . The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
(
2026-03-26
salary.com
)
See how much you can get when it is an hourly pay
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
See how much you can get when it is a yearly pay
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Last Update: 2026-03-26