A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Blytheville Arkansas National
Cost of living8286100
Groceries9896100
Health care9395100
Housing5267100
Transportation9194100
Utilities9493100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9393100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9192100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Blytheville, AR

The cost of living in Blytheville affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Blytheville is 82, which is 18% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Blytheville stands out by reporting housing costs that are 48.3% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Blytheville Affordable?

Is Blytheville an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Blytheville is 55.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Blytheville has a median household income of $60,738, which is 25.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Blytheville?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Blytheville, the transportation index is 9% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Blytheville, is 48.3% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Blytheville, the utilities index registers 5.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Blytheville cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Blytheville is 5% lower than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Blytheville is 18% lower than the national average
  • Blytheville housing is 48% lower than the national average
  • Arkansas general sales tax is 27% higher than the national average
  • Arkansas state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Blytheville

See all the best places to live around Blytheville

Compare Blytheville, AR Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$81,023$6,752$1,890$2,431
      Renters$43,019$3,585$1,004$1,291
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Blytheville, AR, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Blytheville, homeowners have a median income of $81,023. Using that number, a maximum of $1,890 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $43,019, which means there is a maximum of $1,004 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Arkansas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arkansas 6.5% 11.625%

      Arkansas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arkansas 2% 4.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rives, MO105945.6%
      Victoria, AR12945.6%
      Holland, MO1447327.5%
      Luxora, AR1,0177624.1%
      Hornersville, MO5427723.0%
      Blytheville, AR14,0198218.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Elizabethton, TN14,0218811.8%
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%
      Teays Valley, WV14,0241033.2%
      Iona, FL14,01311413.9%
      Andover, KS14,0321066.2%
      Blytheville, AR14,0198218.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.