Arkansas Cost of Living 2026

Here is how Arkansas compares to the national average across major spending categories. An index above 100 means the category is more expensive than average, while below 100 means it is more affordable.

Key Takeaways for Arkansas

• Housing (68.3): Housing costs are well below the national average, making Arkansas one of the more affordable states for housing.
• Groceries (93.7): Grocery prices are below the national average, providing some relief on everyday expenses.
• Transportation (91.8): Transportation costs are below the national average.
• Healthcare (89.5): Healthcare costs are below the national average, which can be a significant advantage for families and retirees.
• Utilities (96.4): Utility costs are near the national average.

Biggest Factor in Arkansas

The most expensive category in Arkansas relative to national averages is Utilities at an index of 96.4, while the most affordable is Housing at 68.3. The low housing costs are a major advantage for Arkansas residents, allowing for more disposable income compared to high-cost states.