Arkansas has a cost of living index of 70 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $52,138 and a population of 2,129,612. We ranked 15 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in Arkansas.
Centerton is 0% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $112,920 and a population of 20,212.
Bentonville is 0% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $108,465 and a population of 56,326.
Sherwood is 22% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $79,157 and a population of 32,915.
Maumelle is 16% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $92,466 and a population of 19,286.
Rogers is 9% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $82,993 and a population of 71,411.
Bella Vista is 7% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $85,932 and a population of 30,935.
Lowell is 14% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $92,986 and a population of 10,438.
Bryant is 21% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $83,219 and a population of 21,125.
Marion is 19% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $80,637 and a population of 13,641.
Cabot is 23% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $72,656 and a population of 26,733.
Benton is 22% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $69,638 and a population of 35,954.
Little Rock is 18% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $60,583 and a population of 202,739.
Springdale is 18% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $66,044 and a population of 87,388.
Fort Smith is 31% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $52,692 and a population of 89,496.
Siloam Springs is 23% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $65,725 and a population of 18,096.
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.