Bella Vista, AR vs Marion, AR

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marion is 15.1% cheaper than Bella Vista. With a cost index of 81 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marion to Bella Vista should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bella Vista is $1,316/month compared to $1,058/month in Marion — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $206,300 median vs $262,400.

Median household income in Bella Vista is $85,932 compared to $80,637 in Marion (+6.6%). Bella Vista does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bella Vista spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Marion.