A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Pine Bluff Arkansas National
Cost of living8286100
Groceries9696100
Health care9595100
Housing5267100
Transportation9294100
Utilities9693100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9593100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare8892100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Pine Bluff, AR

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Pine Bluff? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Pine Bluff stands at 82, making it 18% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Pine Bluff stands out by reporting housing costs that are 48.3% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Pine Bluff?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 5 residents in Pine Bluff 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? 20% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 80% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Pine Bluff Affordable?

Is Pine Bluff an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Pine Bluff is 59.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 23% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Pine Bluff has a median household income of $51,525, which is 36.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pine Bluff?

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 Pine Bluff, healthcare costs are 4.6% lower than the national average.

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 Pine Bluff, the groceries index registers 3.8% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Pine Bluff, the utilities index is 4.2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff is 5% lower than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Pine Bluff is 18% lower than the national average
  • Pine Bluff housing is 48% 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 Pine Bluff

See all the best places to live around Pine Bluff

Compare Pine Bluff, AR Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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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$70,054$5,838$1,634$2,102
      Renters$39,659$3,305$925$1,190
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Pine Bluff, 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 Pine Bluff homeowners, is $70,054. This would allow for a maximum of $1,634 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $39,659 which would result in a maximum of $925 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.
      Sherrill, AR296945.5%
      Altheimer, AR7997524.6%
      Sulphur Springs city, AR4087920.9%
      Wabbaseka, AR3868218.2%
      Sulphur Springs, AR1,3728613.7%
      Pine Bluff, AR43,1938218.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Odenton, MD43,21013332.9%
      Beverly, MA43,23614645.6%
      Annandale, VA43,13614544.8%
      Rouyn-Noranda, QC43,276n/a 
      Oakley, CA43,28315150.6%
      Pine Bluff, AR43,1938218.3%
      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.