Cost of Living in Austin & Ward, AR (2025)

Thinking About Moving to Austin or Ward, Arkansas?

Located just north of Cabot in Lonoke County, the towns of Austin and Ward, Arkansas are becoming popular with families and first-time homebuyers looking for affordable housing, acreage, and small-town living while staying close to Little Rock, Cabot, and Jacksonville.

Many buyers ask me:

“What’s the cost of living in Austin and Ward, Arkansas?”

Here’s a 2025 breakdown of what you can expect for housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, healthcare, and lifestyle in these growing communities.

🏡 Housing Costs in Austin & Ward

Housing in Austin and Ward is some of the most affordable in Central Arkansas, with many buyers drawn to larger lots and new construction subdivisions.

• Median Home Price (2025): $220,000–$240,000

• Monthly Mortgage (on median home): $1,250–$1,450

• Rent:

  • 2–3 bedroom home: $900–$1,100

  • Apartments (limited supply nearby in Cabot): $800–$950

👉 Homes in Austin and Ward are ~30–35% lower than the U.S. average and often include more land than properties closer to Little Rock.

Housing Snapshot:

• Austin: New subdivisions and rural acreage, with easy access to Hwy 67/167.

• Ward: Mix of starter homes, small farms, and new builds.

💡 Utility Costs

Utility expenses are consistent with other towns in Lonoke County:

• Electricity: $125–$170/month

• Water/Sewer/Trash: $60–$85/month

• Internet: $55–$75/month

Lower square footage homes and newer builds in these areas help keep utility bills affordable.

🚗 Transportation Costs

Austin and Ward are commuter towns, with quick interstate access to Cabot, Jacksonville, and Little Rock.

• Gas Prices (2025): ~$3.00/gallon

• Commutes:

  • Austin ⇆ Little Rock: ~30 minutes

  • Ward ⇆ Little Rock: ~35 minutes

  • Austin/Ward ⇆ Cabot: 10–15 minutes

  • Austin/Ward ⇆ LRAFB (Jacksonville): 20–25 minutes

Free parking and minimal traffic keep transportation costs well below national averages.

🛒 Food & Groceries

While Austin and Ward have limited dining and grocery options, residents shop in nearby Cabot, Jacksonville, and Little Rock.

• Family of four groceries: $650–$850/month

• Dining Out (nearby Cabot):

  • Casual dining: $12–$18 per person

  • Mid-range restaurants: $40–$55 for two

  • Coffee: $3–$5

Farmers markets in Cabot and local roadside produce stands also keep food costs reasonable.

🏥 Healthcare

Austin and Ward don’t have major hospitals, but residents are minutes away from North Metro Medical Center (Jacksonville) and Baptist Health / UAMS in Little Rock.

• Family insurance plan: $400–$600/month

• Healthcare costs align with Arkansas averages, which are below U.S. national costs.

📚 Education

Both towns fall under the Cabot School District, one of the most sought-after districts in Central Arkansas.

• Public Schools: Highly rated Cabot schools.

• Private Schools: Options available in Cabot, Jacksonville, and Little Rock ($5,000–$9,000/year).

• Nearby Colleges/Universities: ASU-Beebe, UALR, and UCA in Conway.

🎉 Entertainment & Lifestyle

Austin and Ward offer a small-town lifestyle with easy access to city amenities:

• Movie ticket (Cabot/Little Rock): $10–$12

• Fitness membership: $30–$50/month

• Outdoor fun: Fishing, hiking, and hunting in surrounding rural areas.

• Community events: Seasonal festivals, local sports, and nearby CabotFest.

📊 Overall Cost of Living Index (2025)

• Austin, Arkansas: ~83

• Ward, Arkansas: ~84(U.S. average = 100)

👉 Living in Austin and Ward is about 16–17% cheaper than the U.S. average, making them two of the most affordable small towns in Central Arkansas.

✅ The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for affordable homes, larger lots, or small-town living near Cabot and Little Rock, Austin and Ward, Arkansas, are excellent choices.

Both towns provide easy interstate access, affordable housing, and the bonus of being in the highly rated Cabot School District—all while keeping living costs below the U.S. average.

👩‍💼 Thinking About Relocating to Austin or Ward, Arkansas?

As a Central Arkansas Realtor®, I help families and first-time buyers relocating to Austin, Ward, Cabot, and surrounding Lonoke County communities find homes that fit their lifestyle and budget.

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Cost of Living in Cabot, Arkansas

Cost of Living in Central Arkansas

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Cost of Living in Conway, Arkansas