A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
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 Jacksonville Arkansas National
Cost of living8986100
Groceries9796100
Health care9795100
Housing7567100
Transportation9594100
Utilities9393100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9193100
Household Items9796100
Education & Childcare9492100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jacksonville, AR

The cost of living in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is Jacksonville Affordable?

Is Jacksonville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Jacksonville, the median home price is 30.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Jacksonville boasting a median household income of $71,697, 11.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jacksonville?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Jacksonville starts at 6.5% and the income tax rates start at 2%.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Jacksonville, the utilities index registers at 6.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Jacksonville cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 3% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Jacksonville is 11% lower than the national average
  • Jacksonville housing is 25% 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 Jacksonville

See all the best places to live around Jacksonville

Compare Jacksonville, 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$105,014$8,751$2,450$3,151
      Renters$46,649$3,887$1,088$1,400
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, homeowners have a median income of $105,014. Using that number, a maximum of $2,450 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $46,649, which means there is a maximum of $1,088 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.
      Scott, AR15954.8%
      College Station, AR3287623.9%
      Sweet Home, AR9488019.5%
      Lonoke, AR4,3328316.8%
      Beebe, AR8,4408911.2%
      Jacksonville, AR29,4958911.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake in the Hills, IL29,48511111.2%
      Bella Vista, AR29,519954.8%
      Mehlville, MO29,470945.7%
      East Haven, CT29,45611414.2%
      Forest Hills, MI29,53412120.6%
      Jacksonville, AR29,4958911.0%
      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.