Malvern, AR vs Walnut Ridge, AR

Malvern, AR and Walnut Ridge, AR have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Malvern scores 61 while Walnut Ridge scores 60 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 Malvern is $760/month compared to $710/month in Walnut Ridge — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Walnut Ridge has cheaper rent, Malvern actually has lower median home values ($95,500 vs $104,500).

Median household income in Malvern is $40,602 compared to $47,612 in Walnut Ridge (-14.7%). Walnut Ridge offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Malvern spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.9% in Walnut Ridge.