Arkansas cost of living
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Moving to a new state brings new possibilities but can also be challenging and even a bit scary. Having a good grasp of practical matters, like cost of living, can make the transition to a new place much smoother, so you can focus on getting to know your new neighbors and settling into your new home.
The median rent in Arkansas is $1,101.25, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Arkansas spend $260.91 weekly on food at home and $92.08 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $2.95 in Arkansas.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Arkansas pay $1,591 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Arkansas
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Arkansas is $1,101.25, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Arkansas broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Arkansas had a median cost of $669 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $831 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,020 and $1,147, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Arkansas is $249,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Arkansas ranks No. 39 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.64%.
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Food costs in Arkansas
According to recent census data, the average spent weekly on food to prepare at home in Arkansas is $260.91, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time.
Arkansas residents spend an average of $92.08 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Arkansas
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Arkansas is $2.95, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Arkansas is $1,089.32, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
No cities in Arkansas made our list of cities with the best public transit in 2024. Little Rock, the capital and largest city, has a bus system and streetcar service.
Health care costs in Arkansas
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Arkansas employees $1,591 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,270 of the $6,861 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Arkansas
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Arkansas is $133.78, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Arkansas costs $12.66 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Arkansas compare with the national average?
Accounting for housing, utilities, health care and car insurance costs, Arkansas has a lower cost of living than the national average as of publishing.
What are the most expensive cities in Arkansas?
According to a 2024 ConsumerAffairs study on the income required to live in major U.S. cities, a single adult needs a salary of $47,100.56 to live comfortably in Little Rock, the capital and largest city. That is less expensive than most other cities.
What other expenses should I consider when moving to Arkansas?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
