| Index | Bentonville | Arkansas | National |
| Cost of living | 104 | 86 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Health care | 94 | 95 | 100 |
| Housing | 129 | 67 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 94 | 100 |
| Utilities | 93 | 93 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 92 | 93 | 100 |
| Household Items | 93 | 96 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 87 | 92 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Bentonville allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Bentonville stands at 104, marking it 4% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Bentonville closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Bentonville can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Housing costs significantly influence the Bentonville cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 28.9%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 7 residents in Bentonville to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 57% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 43% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Bentonville 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 Bentonville, for example, the median home price is 41.2% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 0.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Bentonville boasting a median household income of $126,114, which is 55.1% higher than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Bentonville, the transportation index is 3.5% lower than the national average.
Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Bentonville, the housing index is 28.9% higher than the national average.
Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Bentonville, the groceries index is 2.5% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Bentonville 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 | $176,109 | $14,676 | $4,109 | $5,284 |
| Renters | $94,655 | $7,888 | $2,208 | $2,840 |
| 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. |
| Springtown, AR | 140 | 94 | 6.0% |
| Noel, MO | 2,121 | 79 | 21.2% |
| Decatur, AR | 1,584 | 82 | 17.7% |
| Pineville, MO | 939 | 83 | 16.9% |
| Gravette, AR | 3,529 | 88 | 12.0% |
| Bentonville, AR | 53,401 | 104 | 4.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Brandon, MB | 53,334 | n/a | |
| Perth Amboy, NJ | 53,480 | 122 | 22.1% |
| Oak Park, IL | 53,295 | 127 | 27.1% |
| Kentwood, MI | 53,236 | 96 | 4.3% |
| Queen Creek, AZ | 53,585 | 131 | 31.3% |
| Bentonville, AR | 53,401 | 104 | 4.5% |
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