Magnolia, AR vs Mena, AR

Magnolia, AR and Mena, AR have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Magnolia scores 64 while Mena scores 62 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Magnolia is $622/month compared to $720/month in Mena — a 14% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Magnolia has cheaper rent, Mena actually has lower median home values ($114,200 vs $166,500).

Median household income in Magnolia is $42,188 compared to $50,875 in Mena (-17.1%). Mena offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Magnolia spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Mena.