Fort Smith, AR vs Pine Bluff, AR

Pine Bluff is moderately more affordable than Fort Smith, with a 9.2% lower cost of living index. Fort Smith scores 69 compared to 64 for Pine Bluff, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fort Smith can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Smith is $852/month compared to $831/month in Pine Bluff — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Pine Bluff is more affordable at $86,400 median vs $168,100.

Median household income in Fort Smith is $52,692 compared to $41,250 in Pine Bluff (+27.7%). While Fort Smith is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Smith spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 24.2% in Pine Bluff.