Cost of Living in Benton, AR

Population 35,954 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Benton can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $199,000 against $69,638 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.

Geographically, Benton sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Little Rock. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Little Rock's $221,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 65

Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Benton

The median home value in Benton is $199,400 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,003/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,638/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Benton has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$199,400

35% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$238,319

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,003/mo

24% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,395/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

16.6x

Favors buying

Property Tax Rate

0.6%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$638

1 BR

$684

2 BR

$848

3 BR

$1,151

4 BR

$1,256

Owner-occupied 65.1%

Renter-occupied 34.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,003

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,617/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

25.5 min

6% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

7.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

81.5%

Carpooled

9.4%

Public transit

0.0%

Walked

1.1%

Work from home

7.5%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 4.4%

Total Sales Tax 9.5%

State rate 6.5%

Avg local rate 3.0%

Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$69,638

7% below avg

Per Capita Income

$38,002

Unemployment Rate

4.4%

9% below avg

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Labor Force Participation

67.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.8%

Graduate degree 9.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.8

Male median age 36.4

Female median age 38.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Benton, AR?

Benton has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in Benton, AR?

The median gross rent in Benton is $1,003 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Benton?

The median home value in Benton is $199,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Benton?

The median household income in Benton is $69,638 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Benton, AR?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Benton is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.

Is Benton, AR affordable?

Yes, Benton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

Benton at a Glance

Population: 35,954
Median Income: $69,638
Home Value: $199,400
Median Rent: $1,003/mo
Unemployment: 4.4%
Sales Tax: 9.5%

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