Cost of Living in Central Arkansas (2025) | Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot

Thinking About Moving to Central Arkansas?

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

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

The good news: compared to much of the U.S., Central Arkansas offers a more affordable lifestyle while giving you access to city amenities, family-friendly suburbs, and outdoor recreation.

Here’s a breakdown of living costs across Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, Maumelle, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Austin, Ward, and Greenbrier, Arkansas.

🏡 Housing Costs in Central Arkansas

• Median Home Price (2025): ~$253,500 in Pulaski County; $250,000–$275,000 in Saline & Faulkner Counties.

• Monthly Mortgage: $1,450–$1,700 on a median home (loan terms + taxes).

• Rent: $1,000–$1,300 for a 2–3 bedroom rental; apartments average $900–$1,100.

💡 Tip: Housing in Arkansas is typically 20–30% lower than national averages, making Little Rock, Conway, Benton, and Cabot attractive to families and first-time buyers.

💡 Utility Costs in Arkansas

For a 2,000 sq. ft. home in Central Arkansas:

• Electricity: $130–$180/month (higher in summer).

• Water/Sewer/Trash: $60–$100/month.

• Internet: $50–$80/month.

Arkansas utility costs are slightly below U.S. averages.

🚗 Transportation Costs in Central Arkansas

• Gas Prices (2025): ~$3.00/gallon (lower than U.S. average).

• Commutes:

  • Little Rock ⇆ Bryant/Benton: 20–25 minutes

  • Little Rock ⇆ Conway: ~30 minutes

  • Cabot ⇆ Little Rock: ~25 minutes

Arkansas families save on transportation thanks to lighter traffic and free parking across most areas.

🛒 Food & Groceries

• Family of four: $700–$900/month.

• Eating out:

  • Casual dining: $12–$18 per person

  • Mid-range restaurant: $40–$60 for two

  • Coffee: $3–$5

Local farmers markets in Little Rock and Conway provide fresh, affordable produce.

🏥 Healthcare in Central Arkansas

Anchored by CHI St. Vincent, Baptist Health, and Conway Regional, Arkansas healthcare costs are slightly below U.S. averages.

• Employer-sponsored family plan: $400–$600/month.

• Strong medical options in Little Rock, Conway, and Benton.

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📚 Education Costs

• Public Schools: Free, with highly rated districts in Bryant, Benton, and Conway, Arkansas.

• Private Schools: $5,000–$10,000/year.

• Colleges/Universities:

  • University of Central Arkansas (Conway)

  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (Little Rock)

  • Harding University (Searcy)

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

🎉 Entertainment & Lifestyle

• Movies: $10–$12

• Gym membership: $30–$60/month

• Razorbacks/Travelers tickets: $10–$40

• Outdoor fun: Pinnacle Mountain, Two Rivers Park, and Arkansas River trails are free or low-cost.

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📊 Overall Cost of Living Index (2025)

• Arkansas: 83.3 (U.S. average = 100)

• Central Arkansas: ~85–90, depending on city

👉 Living in Central Arkansas is about 10–15% cheaper than the U.S. average.

✅ The Bottom Line

Central Arkansas offers affordable housing, reasonable utilities, short commutes, and family-friendly amenities. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or lifestyle, your money goes further in Little Rock, Conway, Benton, Bryant, Cabot, and surrounding Arkansas towns.

👩‍💼 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, and Greenbrier, Arkansas find homes that fit their lifestyle and budget.