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Cost of Living in Benton, AR (2025)
- Christy Robinson
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Thinking About Moving to Benton, Arkansas?
Located just 25 minutes southwest of Little Rock, Benton, Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Saline County. Families love Benton for its award-winning schools, new construction neighborhoods, and community amenities.
One of the first questions buyers ask is:
“What’s the cost of living in Benton, Arkansas?”
Here’s a 2025 breakdown of housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses in Benton.
🏡 Housing Costs in Benton
Housing in Benton is more affordable than in many nearby metros, making it a top choice for families relocating to Central Arkansas.
Median Home Price (2025): $260,000–$275,000 (Saline County).
Monthly Mortgage (on median home): $1,450–$1,750.
Rent:
2–3 bedroom home: $1,000–$1,300
Apartments: $850–$1,100
👉 Benton housing is ~25% lower than the national average.
Neighborhood Snapshot:
The Woodlands / The Preserve: Popular newer subdivisions with pools, trails, and playgrounds.
Downtown Benton: Affordable historic homes near shopping and dining.
Hurricane Lake Estates: Upscale lakefront living with larger custom homes.
💡 Utility Costs in Benton
Utility costs in Benton are in line with other parts of Central Arkansas:
Electricity: $130–$180/month
Water/Sewer/Trash: $60–$90/month
Internet: $55–$75/month
Most Benton homes rely on Entergy for power, and rates remain slightly below national averages.
🚗 Transportation Costs
Benton’s location offers short commutes to Little Rock and nearby suburbs:
Gas Prices (2025): ~$3.00/gallon
Commutes:
Benton ⇆ Little Rock: 25 minutes
Benton ⇆ Bryant: 10 minutes
Benton ⇆ Hot Springs: ~35 minutes
Parking is free, and traffic is lighter than in larger cities—keeping transportation costs low.
🛒 Food & Groceries
Groceries and dining in Benton remain affordable:
Family of four groceries: $700–$900/month
Dining Out:
Casual dining: $12–$18 per person
Mid-range restaurants: $40–$55 for two
Coffee: $3–$5
Benton also has a growing food scene, with locally owned restaurants and easy access to farmers markets in Benton and nearby Bryant.
🏥 Healthcare in Benton
Benton residents have access to both local healthcare and major hospitals in Little Rock:
Saline Memorial Hospital: The main hospital in Benton.
Family insurance plan: $400–$600/month.
Healthcare costs are slightly below national averages.
📚 Education in Benton
Benton is known for its strong school district, which draws families from across Central Arkansas.
Public Schools: Benton Public Schools are top-rated in Saline County.
Private Schools: Tuition averages $5,000–$8,500/year.
Nearby Colleges/Universities: Short drives to University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UCA in Conway, and Henderson State in Arkadelphia.
🎉 Entertainment & Lifestyle in Benton
Benton offers a suburban feel with community events and outdoor activities:
Movie ticket: $10–$12
Gym membership: $30–$50/month
Local events: Benton Farmers Market, Tyndall Park concerts
Outdoor fun: Fishing and boating at Hurricane Lake and hiking at nearby Hot Springs trails
📊 Overall Cost of Living Index for Benton (2025)
Benton, Arkansas: ~86 (U.S. average = 100)
👉 Living in Benton is about 14% cheaper than the U.S. average, making it one of the most affordable family suburbs near Little Rock.
✅ The Bottom Line
Benton, Arkansas, is a top choice for families looking for affordable housing, excellent schools, and community amenities just outside Little Rock.
From new construction subdivisions to historic downtown charm, Benton offers homes for every budget and lifestyle—all while keeping costs lower than the U.S. average.
👩💼 Thinking About Relocating to Benton, Arkansas?
As a Central Arkansas Realtor®, I help families relocating to Benton, Bryant, Little Rock, and surrounding Saline County communities find homes that match their needs and budget.
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