Elkins, AR vs Malvern, AR

The cost of living difference between Elkins, AR and Malvern, AR is dramatic. Malvern is 42.3% cheaper than Elkins, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elkins has a cost index of 87 while Malvern sits at 61, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Elkins is $1,293/month compared to $760/month in Malvern — a 70% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malvern is more affordable at $95,500 median vs $190,100.

Median household income in Elkins is $81,111 compared to $40,602 in Malvern (+99.8%). While Elkins is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elkins spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, less than the 22.5% in Malvern.