Malvern, AR vs West Memphis, AR

Malvern is moderately more affordable than West Memphis, with a 9.8% lower cost of living index. Malvern scores 61 compared to 68 for West Memphis, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of West Memphis can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Malvern is $760/month compared to $847/month in West Memphis — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malvern is more affordable at $95,500 median vs $119,100.

Median household income in Malvern is $40,602 compared to $41,860 in West Memphis (-3%). West Memphis does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Malvern spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.3% in West Memphis.