Most affordable places to live in Arkansas average 42.3% below the national median. It also offers the second lowest cost of living among U.S. states. As a result, a family earning $75,000 saves $10,500 each year compared to New York.
Arkansas maintains an effective property tax rate of only 0.63%. Furthermore, energy costs are 8.7% below the national average.
Whether its weekend trips to national parks or lazy afternoons at the Buffalo River, Arkansas makes that accessible. This guide reveals where your dollars stretch furthest in the Natural State.
Key Takeaways
- Pine Bluff offers ultra-affordable housing. Median home prices are at $43,632, presenting 84% savings compared to national norms.
- Fort Smith offers the lowest rental costs at $860.
- Arkansas maintains property taxes at are $374-$508 each year, compared to $3000 nationally.
- Forrest City residents enjoy electricity rates at $0.12/kWh along with lowest utility costs.
- All 7 cities offer recreational access to state parks, lakes, and outdoor activities.
Comparing Most Affordable Places to Live in Arkansas
| City | Median Home Prices | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Forrest City | $69,727 | $1,327 | -15% | Retirees, agricultural workers |
| Camden | $94,442 | $1,327 | -12% | History enthusiasts, military families |
| Pine Bluff | $43,632 | $1,327 | -18% | First-time buyers, students |
| White Hall | $131,087 | $1,327 | -8% | Families, commuters |
| Blytheville | $79,651 | $1,327 | -16% | Agricultural families |
| El Dorado | $125,129 | $1,327 | -10% | Energy professionals |
| Fort Smith | $124,842 | $860 | -8% | Young professionals |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Arkansas in 2025
1. Forrest City
- Median Home Price: $69,727
- Median Rent: $1,327
- Cost of Living: 15% below US average
- Best For: Retirees, agricultural workers, Memphis commuters
Forrest City sits atop Crowley’s Ridge in eastern Arkansas. It offers Delta farming heritage alongside modern agricultural. The city provides access to St. Francis National Forest and Village Creek State Park.
Forrest City High School anchors the local education system. They offer strong agricultural programs, hence preparing students for regional careers.
Agriculture and manufacturing provide stable employment. Though, limited job diversity beyond these industries may pose a problem.
However, ultra-affordable housing combined with low electricity rates at $0.12/kWh offsets the negatives. Furthermore, Memphis is 45 minutes east, which in turn offers big city life and employment.
👉Forrest City offers small-town living at budget-friendly prices. So begin exploring Forrest City homes for sale now!
2. Camden
- Median Home Price: $94,442
- Median Rent: $1,327
- Cost of Living: 12% below US average
- Best For: History enthusiasts, military families, outdoor recreation lovers
Camden’s antebellum architecture lines historic downtown streets in this Ouachita River community. The city’s military heritage creates strong patriotic traditions. White Oak Lake State Park offers camping and fishing within minutes of downtown.
Furthermore, Camden Country Club provides championship golf amenities. The annual Daffodil Festival draws in thousands each spring. Tourism provides seasonal employment fluctuations.
Property taxes average $508 per year, delivering significant savings. The local economy maintains stability through manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Infrastructure updates are primary concern for prospective residents.
👉Camden combines affordability with southern charm. So explore your next Camden homes for sale today!
3. Pine Bluff
- Median Home Price: $43,632
- Median Rent: $1,327
- Cost of Living: 18% below US average
- Best For: First-time homebuyers, university students, families prioritizing affordability
Pine Bluff is transformed through arts initiatives and cultural programs. The University of Arkansas offers higher education, while creating a vibrant campus life.
The Arkansas Railroad Museum shows the city’s transportation heritage. Alongside, Jefferson County Historical Museum showcases the county’s history and local art.
Arkansas lowest property taxes are at $374 each year, attracting budget conscious families. The city received $15 million to revitalize the downtown. However, some neighborhood need development attention.
👉Pine Bluff offers affordability along with a rich history. So begin your Pine Bluff homes for sale search now!
4. White Hall
- Median Home Price: $131,087
- Median Rent: $1,327
- Cost of Living: 8% below US average
- Best For: Families prioritizing education, Little Rock commuters, suburban lifestyle seekers
White Hall’s family-focused community provides suburban comfort with easy access to Pine Bluff. The White Hall school district is highly rated, attracting families seeking quality education.
Furthermore, White Hall City Park features modern playgrounds and sports fields. The Saracen Landing casino provides entertainment and dining options within minutes.
Median household income of $61,863 exceeds surrounding area averages. All while maintaining costs 8% below national standards.
👉White Hall offers small-town comfort at affordable prices. So start your White Hall homes for sale search today!
5. Blytheville
- Median Home Price: $79,651
- Median Rent: $1,327
- Cost of Living: 16% below US average
- Best For: Agricultural families, industrial workers, Delta culture enthusiasts
Blytheville sits at the convergence of Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. Mississippi River State Park provides camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The annual Chick-N-Q Festival celebrates local barbecue culture with competition and festivities.
Stable agricultural economy maintain 16% cost savings compared to national averages. The Blytheville Industrial Park expansion brought 200+ new jobs in 2024.
Distance from major metropolitan areas limit activities. However, proximity to 3 states makes regional travel easy.
👉Blytheville offers affordability with community warmth. So explore Blytheville homes for sale now!
6. El Dorado
- Median Home Price: $125,129
- Median Rent: $1,327
- Cost of Living: 10% below US average
- Best For: Energy industry professionals, arts enthusiasts, families valuing cultural amenities
Although it is a oil industry hub, the Murphy Arts District (MAD) brings world-class performances to the city. South Arkansas Arboretum offers nature trails and botanical gardens. Furthermore, The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources celebrates the city’s petroleum heritage.
Diverse economy helps maintain costs 10% below the national averages, despite the energy industry ups and downs. The MAD won Arkansas Tourism Award for its growing arts and entertainment.
👉El Dorado combines affordability with a lively arts scene. So begin exploring your next El Dorado homes for sale now!
7. Fort Smith
- Median Home Price: $124,842
- Median Rent: $860
- Cost of Living: 8% below US average
- Best For: History buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, young professionals seeking urban amenities
Fort Smith sits on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border in this historic frontier city. The 15-mile Arkansas River Trail provides scenic walking and biking paths.
The Fort Smith National Historic site preserves the “Hanging Judge” courthouse. The Majestic Square hosts concert and festivals throughout the year. Along with the Riverfront Amphitheater bringing major acts to the Arkansas River.
Arkansas’s lowest rental costs at $860 monthly, and with the diverse economy, it is irresistible for families and young crowd alike. However, some urban areas need renewal attention and seasonal flooding risks need consideration.
👉Fort Smith blends affordability with city convenience. So begin your Fort Smith homes for sale search now!
How We Ranked Arkansas’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025
Our comprehensive analysis used weighted criteria,
- Housing Costs (47.6%)
- Overall Cost of Living (23.8%)
- Economic Indicators (14.3%)
- Market Trends (9.5%)
- Income Analysis (4.8%)
Data sources include University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research, RentCafe rental market analysis, HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis reports. As well as, Arkansas Realtors Association MLS data, Bureau of Labor Statistics regional price indices. And, Zillow Home Value Index, U.S. Census American Community Survey, Arkansas Department of Energy residential rates, and local municipal assessor offices.
What Drives Affordability in Arkansas?
Arkansas has the second lowest cos of living among all U.S. states. This is through abundant affordable housing and property tax rates averaging only 0.63%.
Median home prices 42.3% below national averages and typical home values at $216,692. Energy costs average 8.7% below national standards, with only $1,892 spent on energy.
Insurance costs remain moderate due to low property values. While the grocery and transportation expenses gain from overall cost index being 14% below national norms.
Smart Tips for Arkansas Living
- Explore state parks. Arkansas offers 52 state parks with minimal charges.
- Consider commuter communities. You can access suburban amenities as well as employment centers.
- Research agricultural opportunities for stable employment.
- Look out for university towns for intellectual and cultural communities.
- Calculate utility costs. Northern and southern Arkansas have different energy costs.
- Plan for seasonal activities. Take advantage of Arkansas’s four distinct seasons.
Should You Move to Arkansas?
Most affordable places to live in Arkansas costs 14% below national averages. This is while still maintaining access to natural beauty and community amenities.
From Pine Bluff to Fort Smith, families will find options matching every budget and lifestyle. The Natural state combines property tax rates averaging 0.63% with energy costs 8.7% below national norms, and provides value and stability.
Whether seeking Delta heritage or Ozark Mountains, Arkansas’s most affordable cities provide that.
👉Planning a move to Arkansas in 2025? Then discover affordable Arkansas homes for sale statewide and start your journey with Houzeo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in Arkansas?
The most affordable Arkansas cities include Forrest City, Camden, Pine Bluff, White Hall, Blytheville, El Dorado, Fort Smith. These cities offer median home prices ranging from $43,632 to $131,087 and cost savings between 5-18% below national averages.
Which Arkansas cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, White Hall provides top-rated schools with costs 8% below national averages.
Are there affordable beach towns in Arkansas?
Arkansas lacks ocean beaches but offers exceptional lake communities with waterfront recreation. Cities like Camden provide Ouachita River access and White Oak Lake State Park. These lake communities deliver beach-like recreation at costs 8-12% below national averages.
What makes Arkansas one of the most affordable states?
Arkansas maintains the second-lowest cost of living nationally through property tax rates of only 0.63%, home prices 42.3% below national medians, and energy costs 8.7% below national standards. Agricultural abundance keeps food costs low while abundant land maintains affordable housing markets statewide.
