Arkansas

Arkansas is about 19% cheaper than the national average. Across the 7 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 81, where 100 is the US average.

Typical rent in Arkansas averages $1,189 a month across the 7 cities we track as of September 2026, 38% below the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 2nd lowest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.

Of the 7 cities we track in Arkansas, Fort Smith has the lowest cost of living index at 75. The lowest typical rent is in Russellville, at $905 a month.

Fayetteville has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in Arkansas, at 82. The highest typical rent is in Fayetteville, at $1,571 a month.

Regular unleaded averages $3.61 a gallon in Arkansas as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 9% below the national average of $3.98. That is the 10th cheapest of 51 states.

Rent in Arkansas rose an average of 3.4% over the past year across the 7 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.

Residential electricity in Arkansas averages 14.4 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $129.

Full coverage car insurance in Arkansas averages $2,080 a year, or about $173 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is near the middle of 51 states.