A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
8%
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 Marion Arkansas National
Cost of living9886100
Groceries10196100
Health care9695100
Housing9267100
Transportation10294100
Utilities9893100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10293100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare10492100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Marion, AR

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Marion 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 Marion is 98, which is 2% 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 Marion closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Marion can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Marion Affordable?

Is Marion 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 Marion, the median home price is 7.6% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Marion come in at $114,784, which is 41.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Marion?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Marion, the groceries index registers 0.8% higher than the national average.

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 Marion, the transportation index is 1.5% higher 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 Marion, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Marion shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Marion is 14% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Marion is 2% lower than the national average
  • Marion housing is 8% 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 Marion

See all the best places to live around Marion

Compare Marion, 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$139,472$11,623$3,254$4,185
      Renters$70,520$5,877$1,645$2,116
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Marion 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. Marion has a median income of about $139,472 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,254 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $70,520. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,645 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.
      Jennette, AR637822.0%
      Anthonyville, AR708119.3%
      Sunset, AR2398217.8%
      Earle, AR2,2278416.5%
      Turrell, AR6198415.8%
      Marion, AR12,792982.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Conneaut, OH12,8048614.2%
      Lakeland South, WA12,77813333.1%
      Bedford, OH12,8078614.1%
      Cambridge, MD12,7761033.3%
      Urbana, MD12,81115958.9%
      Marion, AR12,792982.2%
      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.