Arkansas's cost of living index is 87 — 13.0% below the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
87
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
-13.0%
Less expensive
Median Income
$49,475
Arkansas median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$56,868
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 87 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | 13.0% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $49,475 | Arkansas median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $56,868 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Low | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 3,011,524 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 87, Arkansas is 13% below the national average. Lower costs in Arkansas mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $49,475 in Arkansas provides the equivalent purchasing power of $56,868 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Arkansas's median home price of $195,000 is well below the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (4.4% top rate in Arkansas), sales tax (6.50% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.62%).
