(Last Updated – August 29,2025)

Hawaii is a dream vacation for many, but a permanent home for over 1.4 million people. Beyond the iconic beaches perfect for surfing and snorkeling, the islands offer endless adventure with abundant hiking trails and national parks.

However, paradise comes at a cost. The cost of living in Hawaii is the highest of any state. Dive in to discover a clear picture of what it truly costs to live in the Aloha State.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Hawaii?

Average Cost of Living in Hawaii: $58,115 per year

Hawaii’s cost of living is the highest in the nation, beating out states like California, Massachusetts, and Alaska. The cost of living index created by the Missouri Economic Research and Economic Center (MERIC) sets the national average at 100, and anything higher is more expensive. Hawaii’s index score is a whopping 182.3.

What is the average cost of living in Hawaii in dollars? According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average Hawaiian spends $58,115 per year on personal consumption expenditures. That comes out to $4,843 per month for each person, or $19,372 for a family of four.

Here’s what you can expect to spend annually on each type of expense as a resident in Hawaii.

Housing Costs in Hawaii

Median Housing Costs in Hawaii: $1,391 to $3,335 per month

Given the state’s high cost of living, it’s no surprise that home prices are 226% higher than the national average of $368,581. The average home value in Hawaii is $831,289, according to Zillow. In most counties across the country, that would require a jumbo loan. But in a high cost area like Hawaii, the 2025 limit for a conforming loan is $1,209,750 statewide.

If you’d rather rent than buy, here’s what to expect each month based on home size:

•  Studio: $1,391

•  One bedroom: $1,396

•  Two bedrooms: $1,966

•  Three bedrooms: $2,656

•  Four bedrooms: $3,335

•  Five or more bedrooms: $2,633

•  Median gross rent: $1,940

Despite the high average costs, housing values here actually vary widely by location. Here are the state’s top areas and their average home values, according to Zillow.

Utility Costs in Hawaii

Average Utility Costs in Hawaii: $553.23 per month

Utilities are a must-have, with little wiggle room in terms of how much you pay each month. Here’s what the average Hawaiian pays monthly for each type of utility.

Food & Beverage

Average Food & Beverage Costs in Hawaii: $459 per month

Like most other expenses in Hawaii, the cost of groceries is higher here than in other parts of the U.S. Hawaii’s grocery index score is the highest among the areas of the Far West, including California and Alaska.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Hawaii’s per capita food cost is $5,507 a year. For groceries, the average monthly expenses for one person is $459, or $1,836 for a family of four.

The Council for Community and Economic Research assigns a cost of living index score specifically for groceries, with 100 the baseline for the country. You can see from this chart just how much higher costs are in Hawaii than in other parts of the Far West.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Hawaii: $11,078 to $20,613 per year

Transportation is actually one area where you can save in Hawaii, with average costs lower than many other parts of the U.S. The most common mode of transport is the car. Interestingly, Hawaii has a high adoption rate of electric vehicles, which increased more than 16% between June 2024 and June 2025. Most islands have public bus systems, though if you want to travel from one island to another, you’ll need to hop on a plane.

Here’s an overview of average annual transportation costs for different family sizes, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care in Hawaii

Average Health Care Costs in Hawaii: $9,107 per person, per year

Individuals living in Hawaii can expect to pay an average of $9,107 each year for health care costs. For a family of four, that equates to $36,428. It’s higher than most states in the Far West, including Oregon and Washington. The only states in the region that are more expensive are California and Alaska, which costs $13,015 per person each year.

Child Care in Hawaii

Average Child Care Costs in Hawaii: $956 to $1,690 per child, per month

How much you’ll pay for child care each month in Hawaii depends on the child’s age and the type of care environment you choose. Here’s a breakdown to compare different options at different stages of care.

Taxes in Hawaii

Maximum Income Tax Rate in Hawaii: 11%

Hawaii’s top marginal income tax rate is 11%, meaning that’s the most you’ll pay for state taxes. That rate can be lower, depending on how much taxable income you earn each year. It’s higher than many other states; in fact, only California has a higher maximum rate at 13.3%.

Miscellaneous Costs

Once you’ve covered the cost of necessities, it’s time to plan for having some fun in Hawaii. Here are some typical prices of activities you may partake in while living in the Aloha State.

•  Flight from Oahu to Maui: $135-$165

•  Surfing lesson: $75 to $175

•  Haleakalā National Park: $55 for annual entry pass

It’s still easy to soak in the sun and waves without spending much at all. Most beaches in Hawaii are free and open to the public, so you can enjoy the sound of the surf at no cost.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Hawaii?

According to the U.S. News and World Report’s Affordability Ranking, Hawaii ranks 48th for overall affordability. It’s less expensive than only New Jersey and California. It also ranks 46th for housing affordability, which could make it more difficult to qualify during the mortgage preapproval process. Exploring down payment assistance programs could help you lower monthly payments thanks to a smaller loan balance.

Data from MERIC’s first-quarter 2025 cost of living list cites Hawaii as having the highest cost of living in the entire nation, with an overall index score of 182. That’s followed by Massachusetts’ score of 145.1 and California’s 141.6.

Explore the best affordable places in every state.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Hawaii?

Where you choose to live in Hawaii can impact how much you’ll spend on living expenses. Here are the three largest cities in the state and how they compare in terms of cost.

Honolulu

Even though it’s Hawaii’s biggest city, Honolulu is just the fourth most expensive city in the state. But it’s still 9% more expensive than the average cost of living in Hawaii overall. The median household income is $85,428, and the median home price is $834,100 — which means it could be difficult to buy your first home on a standard salary in Honolulu.

Hilo

Hilo is a less expensive option in Hawaii thanks to a cost of living that is 12% lower than the state average. Home prices are more affordable than in Honolulu, with a median price of $455,100. Plus, the median household income is $78,713. If you don’t have equity from a previous home sale to roll into the purchase, you might look into qualifying as a first-time homebuyer to take advantage of home-buying assistance.

Pearl City

Pearl City is another locale where it’s less expensive to live compared to the average cost of living in Hawaii. Expect to spend 11% less on general expenses than in other areas of the state. It’s still 43% more expensive than the cost of living in the U.S., but could help you make your Hawaiian dreams come true. The median household income is $114,682, and the median house price is $872,200.

Helpful Resources for Future Hawaii Residents

(Last Updated – September 3,2025)

Although it’s the second smallest state by land mass, Delaware has a lot to offer, from its white sand beaches to small historic cities to pristine state parks. Plus, it’s one of only five states that doesn’t charge sales tax on purchases, which could lead to big savings over time. Although Delaware isn’t the most affordable place to live, it’s not the most expensive, either — the First State falls near the middle when it comes to cost of living. From housing to groceries to weekend fun, here’s a close look at how much it costs to live in Delaware.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Delaware?

Average cost of living in Delaware: $57,672 per year

Delaware doesn’t top the list of best affordable places in the U.S., but it’s not at the bottom, either. Instead, Delaware falls near the middle when it comes to cost of living, placing 35th among all U.S. states on the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center’s (MERIC’s) 2025 First Quarter Annual Average Cost of Living Index.

Delaware’s cost of living index number is 103.5, meaning it’s only slightly more expensive than the baseline number of 100. Utilities are more affordable in Delaware than the national average, while housing and health care costs are a bit pricier.

According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average personal consumption expenditures per person add up to $57,672. Here’s how these personal expenses break down by major category:

Housing Costs in Delaware

Median monthly housing costs in Delaware: $1,782 for mortgage, $1,182 – $1,811 in rent

Delaware has 448,735 housing units, 73.6% of which are owner-occupied. The average home value in Delaware is $404,612, according to Zillow, which is higher than the national average of $368,581, but low enough to be appealing if you’re buying your first home. Renters have a median gross rent of $1,358 per month.

Here’s a closer look at how much housing costs in Delaware:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,782

•  Median studio rent: $1,223

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,182

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,340

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,548

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,811

•  Median five-bedroom or more rent: $1,438

•  Median gross rent: $1,358

Your costs may be higher or lower depending on where you live in Delaware. If you’re looking to qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you may be interested in these average home values in cities across the state.

Utility Costs in Delaware

Average Utility Costs in Delaware: $420.04 per month

Along with the costs of your home loan or rent, you’ll also need to factor in utility costs. Here’s how much the typical Delaware resident is paying each month.

Food & Beverage

Average food and beverage costs in Delaware: $353 per month

Delaware residents are paying an average of $4,237 per year on food and drinks, or about $353 per month. This is the average monthly expense for one person. If you’re a family of four, you may have a monthly grocery bill of $1,412.

Delaware’s grocery store cost of living index is 100.1, just barely higher than the baseline of 100. Here’s how grocery costs break down on a more local level.

Transportation

Average transportation costs in Delaware: $10,249 – $19,070 per year

If you live in Delaware, you’ll probably need a car to get around. There are some public transit options, though, like the DART First State buses and SEPTA commuter rail. Amtrak trains are also an option if you’re going long distance.

Here’s what you can expect to pay in transportation costs each year, depending on the size of your family.

Health Care in Delaware

Average health care costs in Delaware: $11,091 per person, per year

Health care costs in Delaware average $11,091 per person annually, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures report. This is higher than the average annual cost across the U.S., which totals $9,130. Your own costs will of course be higher or lower depending on your medical needs, health insurance plan, and other factors.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Delaware: $892 to $1,403 per child, per month

Child care can be a major expense wherever you live, and Delaware is no exception. According to CostofChildCare.org, child care costs can range from $892 to $1,403 per month for one child, depending on the type of child care. Here’s how the costs break down.

Taxes

State income taxes in Delaware: 2.2% – 6.6%

Delaware uses a graduated income tax system, meaning tax rates increase on higher incomes. The lowest state income tax rate is 2.2%, while the highest is 6.6%. This is significantly lower than the national average income tax rate of 14.5%, according to the most recent data from the Tax Foundation.

Delaware also doesn’t charge a sales tax, nor does it levy an estate tax or inheritance tax. Homeowners can expect to pay a 0.48% tax on owner-occupied properties. According to the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index, Delaware’s tax system ranks 18th among all 50 states.

Miscellaneous Costs

Along with budgeting for groceries and rent, make sure to set aside money to have fun in the First State. If you’re up for an amusement park, Rehoboth Funland has classic rides and games by the water. You can pick up an unlimited ride wristband for you and your family for $26 (valid from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm), or opt for tickets that range from $0.75 for a single ticket to $55 for 100 tickets.

If the ocean is calling to you, check out sailing lessons at the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association. Members can sign up for a two-hour session for $140, while nonmembers pay $250. If those prices are a bit steep, head to one of Delaware’s scenic state parks. For an entrance fee of only $4 to $10, you can spend the day hiking and picnicking inland or by the sea.

For those looking to dive into culture, the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library offers American art and more than 60 acres of gardens. Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and students, $9 for kids, and free for babies under two.

For the most budget-friendly option, head to one of Delaware’s free beaches. It’s free to visit Rehoboth Beach or stroll along the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Plus, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand hosts free concerts in the summer.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Delaware?

The amount of money you’ll need to live comfortably in Delaware largely depends on your lifestyle, how many people are in your family, and other factors. According to U.S. News & World Report, Delaware ranks 34th among the 50 states for cost of living in the U.S. and 33 for housing affordability.

MERIC gives Delaware a cost of living index of 103.5, just slightly higher than the baseline of 100. That means living expenses are fairly close to the national average. Housing costs can also vary depending on where you live in Delaware. Overall, the average cost of living in Delaware is moderate, but you may appreciate the lack of sales tax when you shop.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Delaware?

Dover has one of the lowest costs of living in the state of Delaware, with a cost of living index of 95.9. Its housing index is lower than average at 85, while utilities have an index of 96.3. According to Zillow, the average home value in Dover is $339,753.

Helpful Resources for Future Delaware Residents

(Last Updated – September 5,2025)

Although the Constitution State is a significant hub for insurance, financial services, and world-class education, it’s just as well known for its many charming historic towns. Situated centrally among many of the east coast’s major metropolises -– think New York City, Boston, and Providence for starters -– Connecticut is home to many people who want access to big-city benefits without giving up the peaceful pleasures of small-town living. And let’s not forget the state’s stunning shoreline!

Along with offering a slightly slower pace of life than its neighboring high-rise communities, Connecticut can also provide a more affordable cost of living. For example, a resident can expect to spend about $4,000 less per year on everyday necessities in Connecticut than in Massachusetts. And its average home values are more than $70,000 lower than New York’s.

Interested in learning more about the cost of living in Connecticut? Let’s dive into the details.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Connecticut?

Average Cost of Living in Connecticut: $65,128 per year

Connecticut enjoys a relatively affordable cost of living, compared to the cost of living in the U.S. or similar northeastern states.

According to the latest cost of living data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), the cost of living in Connecticut is 113.5% of the national average. While that’s still above average, it’s lower than neighboring states Massachusetts (where the cost of living is 145.1% of the national average), New York (124.7%), and New Jersey (114.8%).

So how does that translate into dollars and cents? According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the per-capita personal consumption expenditures in the state of Connecticut come out to $65,128 per year, per person. (By way of comparison, the national figure is $56,202.)

The breakdown of how those costs are spread across different categories is displayed in the following table.

Again, it’s worth bearing in mind that these figures are per person. That means that the average couple would probably spend double this amount ($130,256) per year, while a family of four could spend up to $260,512 (although specifics will vary based on the age of the household members, lifestyle, and other factors.)

Recommended: Best Affordable Places in the U.S.

Housing Costs in Connecticut

Average Housing Cost in Connecticut: $1,037-$2,548 per month

Housing in Connecticut is pricier than the national average — but again, sometimes more affordable than in neighboring states in the northeast. The average home value in the U.S. stands at $368,581 (per Zillow), while the average home value in the state of Connecticut is $437,232, a 3.9% increase over the past year. In New York, the average home value is $509,127, and in Massachusetts $658,406.

These figures can be intimidating if you’re looking into buying your first home. However, there are ways to clear the hurdle. Depending on the type of mortgage loan you can qualify for as a first-time buyer, you may be able to put down as little as 3%. If even that sounds like a lot, down payment assistance programs may also be an option.

Connecticut offers a lot of variety, and home values can vary significantly based on where in the state you’re living. Here are typical home values in five major Connecticut population centers.

Of course, the value of a home isn’t the same as what you pay each month -– often the biggest line item in your budget. The average monthly mortgage payment in Connecticut is $2,555.84. If, however, you’re planning to rent, below are the median monthly rental housing costs, depending on the size of the home.

Median rent in Connecticut by home size:

•  Studio: $1,037

•  One bedroom: $1,283

•  Two bedrooms: $1,535

•  Three bedrooms: $1,696

•  Four bedrooms: $2,094

•  Five or more bedrooms: $2,548

•  Median gross rent: $1,463

Utility Costs in Connecticut

Average Utility Costs in Connecticut: $478 per month

While the cost of housing itself is usually the biggest line item in a family’s budget, the costs associated with keeping that house up and running can also add up. Here are the average utility costs in Connecticut.

Food & Beverage

Average Cost of Food & Beverages in Connecticut: $372.83 per month

Keeping the lights on is good, but keeping your body running is even better. Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s estimate of a yearly grocery cost of $4,474 per person, that means a Connecticut singleton might expect to pay about $372.83 per month at the market. For a family of four, it’s about $1,491.32.

Again, though, specific costs can vary substantially depending on which Connecticut city you live in. The table below lists Connecticut population centers in order of food expense, using an index that represents the cost of groceries as compared to the national average, set at 100.

Transportation

Average Cost of Transportation in Connecticut: $10,168-$18,920 per year

Connecticut isn’t a very big state, and if you live in one of its larger cities — like Stamford, Hartford, or New Haven — public transit options may be robust enough to meet your transportation needs.

But for families who live in smaller towns or regularly help their children commute to school activities, car ownership may be a necessity. It’s convenient to have your own ride, but costs can add up, between the vehicle itself, auto insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Here are the estimated yearly transportation costs based on the size of your family.

Health Care in Connecticut

Average Cost of Health Care in Connecticut: $10,103 per year

The average Connecticuter can expect to spend $10,103 per year on health care, according to data from the BEA. That comes out to about $841.92 per month, per person.

Again, your overall health care expenditures will vary based on factors like the size and makeup of your family, general health needs, and any medications you may need. This chart shows cost estimates for different family sizes based on the BEA data.

Child Care

Average Cost of Child Care in Connecticut: $1,045-$1,712 per child, per month

You can’t calculate the value of expanding your family, but you can calculate how much care will cost while you’re busy making money to support them. The exact amount you’ll spend depends on how many children you have and what kind of care you’re looking for, but the following figures offer a helpful at-a-glance estimate.

Taxes

Top Marginal Income Tax Rate in Connecticut: 6.99%

When it comes to state-levied income taxes, Connecticut is in the middle: The top marginal income tax rate is 6.99%, which is much higher than the 0% income tax rate assessed by states like Florida and Nevada, but far lower than California’s 13.3% or New York’s 10.9% top brackets.

Connecticut’s average property tax is about 1.48% of the owner-occupied property value, the third highest in the country (behind only Illinois and New Jersey). Specific rates can vary by county.

Finally, a sales tax of 6.35% applies to the sale, lease, or rental of most goods in the state, including digital goods.

Miscellaneous Costs

Money pays for the day-to-day necessities of life — but it’s there to have fun with, too. Here are the costs of a few classic Connecticut attractions.

•  Tickets to the Mystic Aquarium: $34+ per adult; $26+ per child aged 3-13 (pricing is dynamic)

•  Tour of Mark Twain’s Childhood Home: $14 per adult, $6 per child aged 6-17

•  Large hot lobster roll at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock in New London: $29.95

There are also plenty of wonderful things to do and explore in the state that are totally free and open to the public, like the Yale University campus and its art gallery.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Connecticut?

“Comfortable” is hard to pin down. For some people, comfort can be as simple as a soft place to land and a regular hot meal at home. For others, comfort means going out to eat, living in a luxurious home or apartment, and being able to spend money on travel and entertainment.

Based on the BEA personal expenditure data, the average Connecticuter can expect to spend about $65,128 per year — which suggests that you’d want to earn a bit more than that per year in order to afford to put away some of your income in savings. The median household income in the U.S. is $78,538, which puts living in some parts of Connecticut within reach for many, even though it’s not considered one of the most affordable states. (In the U.S. News & World Report ranking of cost of living, Connecticut comes in at 40.)

What Major City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Connecticut?

While the state of Connecticut as a whole has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average, some communities are more affordable to live in than others.

Hartford, in particular, has an average cost of living just 1.4% higher than the national average, making it the most affordable of Connecitcut’s major cities. Stamford’s cost of living, by way of contrast, is about 27.3% higher than the national average.

Helpful Resources for Future Connecticut Residents

(Last Updated – September 2,2025)

Located in the West South Central region of the United States, Arkansas is notable for its hospitality, diverse economy, and natural beauty, which includes much of the scenic Ozark Mountains. You can spend your free time in the Natural State fishing, biking, and hiking in the great outdoors, or enjoy shopping, dining, and visiting with friends in communities that are famous for their small-town charm.

Arkansas is also one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing. Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Arkansas, and see if this state might be a good fit for you.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Arkansas?

Average Cost of Living in Arkansas: $44,254 per year

If you’re looking for a state with an affordable cost of living, Arkansas is definitely worth checking out. It ranks tenth in the U.S. for affordability, according to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). That’s close in cost to neighboring states Oklahoma (first), Missouri (fourth), Mississippi (second), and Tennessee (ninth); but a little less expensive than nearby Louisiana (17th) and Texas (15th).

What is the cost of living in Arkansas in dollars? The average annual cost of living in Arkansas is $44,254, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Based on that figure, the average monthly cost of living in Arkansas would be about $3,688. (Your costs will differ, of course, depending on the size of your family and other factors. Singles typically spend significantly more per capita than married couples do on categories like food and housing, for example, and less on health care.)

Here’s how that breaks down into major cost categories.

Housing Costs in Arkansas

Average Housing Costs in Arkansas: $763 to $1,297 per month

You can expect housing to be one of your biggest costs no matter where you live, but according to MERIC data, housing costs in Arkansas are well below the national average. That’s good news whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home.

Arkansas has close to 1.4 million housing units, according to census data. Zillow listed the typical Arkansas home value at about $219,391 in August 2025, compared with a U.S. average of $368,581. The average monthly mortgage cost in Arkansas is $1,916.29.

Below is a breakdown of what monthly housing prices can look like in Arkansas if you’re renting, per the latest census data.

•  Median studio rent: $763

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $754

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $897

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,131

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,371

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,109

•  Median gross rent: $933

Arkansas home prices can vary significantly depending on where you are in the state. Here are typical home prices in 10 major Arkansas cities, according to Zillow, in August 2025.

Utility Costs in Arkansas

Average Utility Costs in Arkansas: $332 per month

Once you’ve got your housing costs covered, there are still the utility bills to consider. Costs vary based on location, family size, and time of year, but here’s a look at what you can expect to spend monthly on average in Arkansas.

Food & Beverage

Average Food & Beverage Costs in Arkansas: $299 per person, per month

Another ongoing expense is buying groceries. Along with your personal food choices and family size, where you live can also affect how much you’ll spend on food.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average Arkansan’s nonrestaurant food cost is $3,590 annually, or about $299 per month. That means a family of four can expect to spend about $1,200 on groceries each month.

The Council for Community and Economic Research, which tracks the food costs in major American cities, ranked these Arkansas cities from lowest to highest for their 2024 grocery costs, using a scale on which 100 is the national average.

Transportation

Average Transportation Cost in Arkansas: $10,505 to $19,548 per year

Transportation costs can be a budget-buster, depending on the current price of gas, commute times in your area, and public transportation options.

Although public transit is available in different regions of Arkansas, most people still drive to and from work. The good news for those commuters is that the state is rated 13th in the nation for its commuting time by U.S. News and World Report’s current “Best States” rankings.

Family size, including the number of working adults in the home, also can be a factor in how much your transportation costs will be. This breakdown from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator can give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to costs.

Health Care in Arkansas

Average Health Care Costs in Arkansas: $8,098 per person, per year

Your health needs, as well as your insurance coverage, will help determine how much you end up paying for care each year for yourself and your family. But according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report, the annual cost of health care per Arkansan is $8,098. As a monthly expense, that works out to about $674.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Arkansas: $733 to $1,149 or more per child, per month

Having kids generally makes a major impact on your budget, and child care is often one of the biggest monthly expenses families have to manage. As you might expect, prices tend to be higher in larger cities, like Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville, than in Arkansas’ mid-sized and rural communities. The price you pay for care will also depend how old your child is and whether or not you choose home-based family care.

Here are the average child care costs in Arkansas, per the most recent data from CostofChildCare.Org.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Arkansas: 3.9%

Residents of Arkansas get a bit of a break when it comes to state income taxes. At 3.9%, Arkansas’ highest marginal state income tax rate is lower than that in most of its neighboring states.

The state sales tax rate in Arkansas is 6.5%, which is among the highest in the U.S. However, Arkansas doesn’t have a state inheritance or estate tax.

Arkansas counties collect an average of 0.52% of a property’s assessed fair market value as property tax per year.

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that we’ve covered the essentials (food, housing, utilities, etc.), we can turn our focus to the fun stuff. Here’s a look at how you might spend your days (and some of your discretionary funds) as a resident of Arkansas:

•   Soak up the beauty of Hot Springs National Park. There’s no cost to enter the park, and you can park in some areas downtown for free. If you have enough energy left after tackling the park’s hiking trails, be sure to check out the nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions.

•   Shop, dine, or just stroll in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District. You can buy fresh veggies at the Saturday farmers market, enjoy live music, take a fare-free streetcar ride, or visit the local art galleries.

•   Cheer on the Razorbacks. Single-game tickets for University of Arkansas football games, played in Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, typically go on sale in July, and seats can range from about $35 to more than $1,000 each, depending on where they’re located.

•   Take a walk through Walmart history. Find out how the Walmart retail chain got its start in Arkansas—and how it grew—at the Walmart Museum in Bentonville. Admission is free.

•   Go on a wine country tour. The Arkansas River Valley remains the hub for wineries, but you can find wineries and vineyards across the state. You can time your visit to coincide with one of the state’s annual wine festivals or visit any time. A bottle of cabernet sauvignon can cost about $20, and many venues offer live entertainment on the weekends.

•   Tour the trails near Bentonville on a mountain bike. A half-day tour that includes a professional guide, bike, helmet, water, and transportation to and from Bentonville costs about $100 per person

Recommended: What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Arkansas?

We all have different wants and needs, so it’s hard to say exactly how much money you might require to maintain a lifestyle that’s comfortable for you in Arkansas. But in Arkansas, the odds are in your favor. The state shines when you compare its affordability to the cost of living in other states. Per MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single childless adult would need to make $40,540 a year before taxes to cover expenses in Arkansas. U.S. News & World Report’s Best States ranking named Arkansas as the most affordable state in 2025. And MERIC’s cost of living data also ranked Arkansas as one of the top affordable states, at #10.

Explore the best affordable places in every state.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Arkansas?

These three cities in Arkansas all have a low cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index for 2024:

Jonesboro

Jonesboro is probably best known as the home of Arkansas State University (go Red Wolves!), and it has a lively college-town appeal. But it’s also family-friendly, and academic excellence is a priority from grade school on up. It’s a growing city with diverse employment opportunities. And there’s plenty to do, from events in the popular downtown area to relaxing in one of the city’s many parks. Jonesboro’s cost-of-living index (83.3) makes it one of the most cost-effective places to live in the U.S.

Conway

Conway — home to University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College — is another popular college town in Arkansas. It’s also home to several large employers, including American Transportation, Acxiom, Frigidaire, Virco Manufacturing, and Kimberly Clark. If you’re looking for cultural activities, Conway is also known for its focus on the arts: The city has its own symphony orchestra. And outdoor enthusiasts can go fishing and boating on Lake Conway and Beaverfork Lake, or explore the city’s many parks and trails. With its low cost-of-living index (83.9), Conway can be an affordable place to settle down, whether you’re just starting out or ready to retire.

Little Rock/North Little Rock

Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas, and it’s also the state’s largest city. But both Little Rock and North Little Rock are known for their vibrant arts and cultural scenes, and for their important role in American history. The Arkansas River Trail, a 15.6-mile loop that connects the two cities, offers a view of the river and city skyline for both cyclists and pedestrians. The cost of living index (93.4) is a bit higher in this area, but it’s still comfortably below the national average.

Helpful Resources for Future Arkansas Residents