A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
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 Camden Arkansas National
Cost of living8186100
Groceries9796100
Health care9695100
Housing4867100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9393100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9393100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare9592100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Camden, AR

The cost of living in Camden 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 Camden is 81, which is 19% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Camden housing costs are 51.8% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Camden residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

Is Camden Affordable?

Is Camden an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Camden, the median home price is 55.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 43.8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Camden come in at $55,394, which is 31.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Camden?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Camden, the healthcare costs are 4.4% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Camden, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

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 Camden, is 51.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Camden cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Camden is 6% lower than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Camden is 19% lower than the national average
  • Camden housing is 52% 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 Camden

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Compare Camden, AR Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$83,424$6,952$1,946$2,503
      Renters$30,325$2,527$708$910
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Camden is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Camden has a median income of about $83,424 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,946 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $30,325. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $708 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Louann, AR159964.0%
      Reader, AR1447327.4%
      Stephens, AR1,0797623.9%
      Chidester, AR2807722.6%
      Bearden, AR9987822.2%
      Camden, AR11,2658118.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mount Kisco, NY11,26514141.1%
      Asbury Lake, FL11,26711212.4%
      Kings Mountain, NC11,271928.3%
      Lawrenceburg, TN11,2588713.0%
      Blackfalds, AB11,272n/a 
      Camden, AR11,2658118.7%
      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.