A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
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 Paragould Arkansas National
Cost of living8986100
Groceries9896100
Health care9395100
Housing7867100
Transportation9194100
Utilities9493100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9393100
Household Items9996100
Education & Childcare9192100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Paragould, AR

The cost of living in Paragould 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 Paragould 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 Paragould Affordable?

Is Paragould affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Paragould, for instance, where the median home price falls 22.4% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 21.6% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Paragould flaunting a median household income of $72,628, 10.7% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Paragould?

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 Paragould, the groceries index is 1.7% lower than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Paragould, the housing index is 22.2% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Paragould, the transportation index stands at 9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Paragould 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 Paragould is 4% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Paragould is 11% lower than the national average
  • Paragould housing is 22% 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 Paragould

See all the best places to live around Paragould

Compare Paragould, 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$91,567$7,631$2,136$2,747
      Renters$45,852$3,821$1,070$1,376
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Paragould, 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 Paragould homeowners, is $91,567. This would allow for a maximum of $2,136 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $45,852 which would result in a maximum of $1,070 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.
      Delaplaine, AR1327623.7%
      Cardwell, MO8487623.6%
      Black Oak, AR2057623.5%
      Lafe, AR4427822.3%
      Rector, AR2,0157821.9%
      Paragould, AR29,7738910.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fuquay-Varina, NC29,77311313.4%
      Whitehorse, YT29,774n/a 
      Summerlin South, NV29,75014444.2%
      Port Chester, NY29,79615049.6%
      Ridgecrest, CA29,80011212.0%
      Paragould, AR29,7738910.5%
      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.