| Index | Benton | Arkansas | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 86 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 95 | 95 | 100 |
| Housing | 83 | 67 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94 | 94 | 100 |
| Utilities | 95 | 93 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 93 | 100 |
| Household Items | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 92 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Benton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Benton cost of living index is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Benton is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Wondering if Benton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Benton, for example, the median home price is 19.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Benton boasting a median household income of $90,419, which is 11.2% higher than the national average.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Benton, the housing index stands at 17.2% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Benton, the transportation index stands at 6% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Benton, healthcare costs are 5.3% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Benton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $114,090 | $9,508 | $2,662 | $3,423 |
| Renters | $62,856 | $5,238 | $1,467 | $1,886 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | 11.625% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Arkansas | 2% | 4.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Salem city, AR | 1,989 | 79 | 21.0% |
| Perla, AR | 209 | 79 | 20.7% |
| Salem, AR | 1,568 | 80 | 19.8% |
| Traskwood, AR | 360 | 81 | 19.1% |
| Magnet Cove, AR | 985 | 81 | 19.0% |
| Benton, AR | 37,708 | 92 | 8.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Texarkana, TX | 37,749 | 93 | 6.6% |
| Trumbull, CT | 37,754 | 138 | 38.2% |
| University, FL | 37,766 | 106 | 6.3% |
| Rome, GA | 37,605 | 95 | 5.4% |
| New Albany, IN | 37,605 | 91 | 9.4% |
| Benton, AR | 37,708 | 92 | 8.2% |
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