Alma, AR vs Malvern, AR

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Malvern is 24.8% cheaper than Alma. With a cost index of 61 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Malvern to Alma should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alma is $992/month compared to $760/month in Malvern — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malvern is more affordable at $95,500 median vs $197,200.

Median household income in Alma is $58,320 compared to $40,602 in Malvern (+43.6%). While Alma is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alma spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, less than the 22.5% in Malvern.