Cost of Living in Central City, AR

With a cost of living index of 71, Central City, AR is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 29% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Arkansas state average. Central City is a small community of 570 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Central City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,014 (23% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $123,000 (60% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Central City is $71,071, which is 5% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Fort Smith, AR-OK (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.