A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
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 Conway Arkansas National
Cost of living9586100
Groceries9596100
Health care9695100
Housing9467100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9693100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9393100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare9592100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Conway, AR

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Conway? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Conway stands at 95, making it 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Conway aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Conway residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Conway Affordable?

Is Conway 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 Conway is 1.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 14.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Conway has a median household income of $71,190, which is 12.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Conway?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Conway, the transportation index is 3.9% lower 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 Conway, the groceries index is 4.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Conway 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 Conway is 11% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Conway is 5% lower than the national average
  • Conway housing is 6% 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 Conway

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Compare Conway, 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$131,383$10,949$3,065$3,942
      Renters$47,600$3,967$1,111$1,428
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Conway, AR, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Conway have a median income of $131,383. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,065 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $47,600, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,111.

      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.
      Fourche, AR327822.2%
      Plumerville, AR7658119.1%
      Houston, AR1798118.6%
      Menifee, AR2008416.2%
      Enola, AR4048613.7%
      Conway, AR69,234954.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Muncie, IN69,2158118.5%
      Kenner, LA69,255991.4%
      Rocklin, CA69,14515655.7%
      Rogers, AR69,327963.6%
      Johnson City, TN69,135955.0%
      Conway, AR69,234954.7%
      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.