Fort Smith, AR vs Springdale, AR

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Smith is 15.3% cheaper than Springdale. With a cost index of 69 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Smith to Springdale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Smith is $852/month compared to $1,008/month in Springdale — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Smith is more affordable at $168,100 median vs $237,200.

Median household income in Fort Smith is $52,692 compared to $66,044 in Springdale (-20.2%). While Springdale 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, more than the 18.3% in Springdale.