A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Mountain Home Arkansas National
Cost of living8986100
Groceries9596100
Health care9395100
Housing7367100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9593100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9493100
Household Items9596100
Education & Childcare10092100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Mountain Home, AR

The cost of living in Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Mountain Home?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 7 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Mountain Home. The feedback revealed that 14% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 86% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Mountain Home Affordable?

Wondering if Mountain Home is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Mountain Home, for example, the median home price is 27.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Mountain Home boasting a median household income of $59,716, which is 26.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mountain Home?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Mountain Home, healthcare costs are 6.9% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Mountain Home, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.5%, and income tax rates start at 2%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Mountain Home comes in at 5.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Mountain Home are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mountain Home is 3% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Mountain Home is 11% lower than the national average
  • Mountain Home housing is 27% 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 Mountain Home

See all the best places to live around Mountain Home

Compare Mountain Home, AR Cost of Living

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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$72,232$6,019$1,685$2,167
      Renters$44,444$3,704$1,037$1,333
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Mountain Home, 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 Mountain Home homeowners, is $72,232. This would allow for a maximum of $1,685 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $44,444 which would result in a maximum of $1,037 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.
      Bakersfield, MO2948118.7%
      Calico Rock, AR2,4288217.9%
      Flippin, AR1,2908317.4%
      Midway town, AR3948317.3%
      Salesville, AR3128416.4%
      Mountain Home, AR12,7398911.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Blue Ash, OH12,73811212.2%
      Goldenrod, FL12,74211211.9%
      Newington Forest, VA12,73514342.8%
      Fort Atkinson, WI12,734963.9%
      Viera East, FL12,73311818.1%
      Mountain Home, AR12,7398911.3%
      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.