Cost of Living in Central Arkansas (2025)

Christy Robinson
Sep 15
3 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Cost of Living blog cover shows a calculator, a woman at a laptop, a map of Arkansas, and a model house on money. Central Arkansas Edition.

Thinking About Moving to Central Arkansas?

One of the first questions families and relocating buyers ask me is:

“What’s the cost of living in Central Arkansas?”

The answer: Arkansas is one of the most affordable states in the U.S., and Central Arkansas strikes the perfect balance between low living costs, city convenience, and family-friendly communities. Whether you’re considering Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Maumelle, Sherwood, North Little Rock, Austin, Ward, or Greenbrier, Arkansas your money goes further here.

This 2025 guide breaks down the cost of living in Central Arkansas—from housing and utilities to food, healthcare, and lifestyle.

🏡 Housing Costs in Central Arkansas

Housing is the biggest factor in cost of living, and Arkansas homes are far more affordable than the national average.

Median Home Price (2025): ~$253,500 in Pulaski County; $250,000–$275,000 in Saline & Faulkner Counties.
Monthly Mortgage: $1,450–$1,700 depending on loan terms + taxes.
Rent: $1,000–$1,300 for a 2–3 bedroom rental home; apartments average $900–$1,100.

💡 Compared to national averages, Central Arkansas housing is typically 20–30% lower.

👉 Example: In Benton and Bryant, Arkansas, families can find new construction homes in great school districts for prices that are often $50k–$100k less than similar homes in larger U.S. metros.

💡 Utility Costs

Arkansas utilities remain below U.S. averages, even with hot summers:

Electricity: $130–$180/month (higher in July–August).
Water/Sewer/Trash: $60–$100/month.
Internet: $50–$80/month.

Utility providers like Entergy and Conway Corp keep costs competitive, making Central Arkansas attractive for families looking to save.

🚗 Transportation Costs

Driving in Arkansas is convenient and affordable:

Gas Prices (2025): ~$3.00/gallon (often below U.S. average).
Commute Times:
- Little Rock ⇆ Benton/Bryant: 20–25 minutes
- Little Rock ⇆ Conway: ~30 minutes
- Cabot ⇆ Little Rock: ~25 minutes

Parking is free in most areas, and lighter traffic means Arkansas residents spend less on transportation compared to big-city metros.

🛒 Food & Groceries

Grocery and dining costs are reasonable across Central Arkansas:

Family of four: $700–$900/month for groceries.
Eating out:
- Casual dining: $12–$18/person
- Mid-range restaurants: $40–$60 for two
- Coffee: $3–$5

Local farmers markets—like Little Rock’s River Market and the Conway Farmers Market—offer fresh produce at great prices, adding value to your monthly food budget.

🏥 Healthcare Costs

Central Arkansas healthcare is anchored by CHI St. Vincent, Baptist Health, and Conway Regional Health System. Costs are below national averages:

Employer-sponsored family plans: $400–$600/month.
Major hospitals in Little Rock and Conway provide top-rated care within short drives of surrounding suburbs.

📚 Education Costs

Public Schools: Free, with highly rated districts in Bryant, Benton, Cabot, and Conway, Arkansas.
Private Schools: $5,000–$10,000/year depending on institution.
Higher Education:
- University of Central Arkansas (Conway)
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock)
- Harding University (Searcy)

In-state tuition averages $9,000–$10,000/year.

🎉 Entertainment & Lifestyle

Life in Central Arkansas is affordable and full of activities:

Movie ticket: $10–$12
Gym membership: $30–$60/month
Razorbacks/Travelers tickets: $10–$40
Outdoor recreation: Free or low-cost at Pinnacle Mountain, Two Rivers Park, and Lake Conway

Whether you’re into sports, music, or outdoor adventures, Central Arkansas offers big-city amenities at small-town prices.

📊 Overall Cost of Living Index (2025 Estimates)

Arkansas: 83.3 (U.S. average = 100)
Central Arkansas: ~85–90 depending on city

👉 Living in Central Arkansas is 10–15% cheaper than the U.S. average, making it a smart choice for families, retirees, and young professionals.

✅ The Bottom Line

If you’re considering a move to Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Maumelle, Sherwood, North Little Rock, Austin, Ward, Wooster, or Greenbrier, Arkansas, you’ll enjoy:

Affordable housing compared to national markets
Lower utility and healthcare costs
Shorter commutes and easy transportation
Family-friendly amenities and top-rated schools

Central Arkansas offers more value for your money without sacrificing lifestyle.

👩‍💼 Thinking About Relocating to Arkansas?

As a Central Arkansas Realtor®, I help families relocating to Little Rock, Conway, Bryant, Benton, Maumelle, Cabot, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Austin, Ward, Greenbrier, and Wooster Arkansas find homes that fit their lifestyle and budget.