Cost of Living in Van Buren, AR
Population 23,545 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Van Buren a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $178,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Van Buren lies roughly 90 miles east of the nearest major metro, Broken Arrow. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Broken Arrow's $229,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Van Buren
The median home value in Van Buren is $178,000 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $820/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,420/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.4%, above 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, Van Buren has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Van Buren, AR?
Van Buren has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Van Buren, AR?
The median gross rent in Van Buren is $820 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Van Buren?
The median home value in Van Buren is $178,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Van Buren?
The median household income in Van Buren is $59,420 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Van Buren, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Van Buren is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Van Buren, AR affordable?
Yes, Van Buren is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
Van Buren at a Glance
- Population
- 23,545
- Median Income
- $59,420
- Home Value
- $178,000
- Median Rent
- $820/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.4%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Arkansas Rankings
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