A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
13%
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 Jonesboro Arkansas National
Cost of living9286100
Groceries9896100
Health care9395100
Housing8767100
Transportation9194100
Utilities9493100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9393100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9192100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jonesboro, AR

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Jonesboro is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Jonesboro is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Jonesboro 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. Jonesboro 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Jonesboro?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 9 residents in Jonesboro 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? 67% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 33% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Jonesboro Affordable?

Is Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro, the median home price is 10.8% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 18.1% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Jonesboro come in at $69,432, which is 14.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jonesboro?

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 Jonesboro, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

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 Jonesboro, is 13% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro is 7% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Jonesboro is 8% lower than the national average
  • Jonesboro housing is 13% 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 Jonesboro

See all the best places to live around Jonesboro

Compare Jonesboro, 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$109,970$9,164$2,566$3,299
      Renters$45,563$3,797$1,063$1,367
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Jonesboro, AR, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Jonesboro homeowners, is $109,970. This would allow for a maximum of $2,566 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $45,563 which would result in a maximum of $1,063 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Egypt, AR427822.0%
      Cash, AR3278019.7%
      Sedgwick, AR1718119.5%
      Bay, AR2,4238416.4%
      Trumann, AR7,2698416.3%
      Jonesboro, AR79,653927.8%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kendall, FL79,66013130.7%
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      Waldorf, MD79,55412827.5%
      Rapid City, SD79,549991.0%
      Lake Charles, LA79,542945.8%
      Jonesboro, AR79,653927.8%
      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.