A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
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 Russellville Arkansas National
Cost of living8986100
Groceries9596100
Health care9695100
Housing7567100
Transportation9694100
Utilities9693100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9393100
Household Items9896100
Education & Childcare9592100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Russellville, AR

Knowing the cost of living in Russellville allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Russellville stands at 89, marking it 11% lower than the national average.

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

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 8 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Russellville. The results indicated that 38% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 63% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Russellville Affordable?

Is Russellville 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 Russellville, for instance, where the median home price falls 24.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 26.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Russellville flaunting a median household income of $56,384, 30.7% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Russellville?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Russellville, the housing index stands at 25.3% lower than the national average.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Russellville, the transportation index is 3.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Russellville 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 Russellville is 4% higher than the Arkansas average
  • The cost of living in Russellville is 11% lower than the national average
  • Russellville housing is 25% 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 Russellville

See all the best places to live around Russellville

Compare Russellville, AR Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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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$74,363$6,197$1,735$2,231
      Renters$45,604$3,800$1,064$1,368
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Russellville, 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 Russellville homeowners, is $74,363. This would allow for a maximum of $1,735 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $45,604 which would result in a maximum of $1,064 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.
      Hector, AR4388218.1%
      Atkins, AR3,0958217.9%
      Lamar, AR1,7528118.6%
      London, AR7888316.6%
      Knoxville, AR6478416.0%
      Russellville, AR30,0498910.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Carlsbad, NM30,034964.2%
      Eagle Pass, TX30,071919.5%
      Seguin, TX30,071946.2%
      Niles, IL30,01911514.8%
      Crofton, MD30,10013939.2%
      Russellville, AR30,0498910.6%
      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.