Arkansas vs Colorado Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Arkansas
$72,745
in Colorado
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arkansas | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 78.8 | 108.8 | -28% |
| Groceries | 94.3 | 101.2 | -7% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 88.4 | +7% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 97.5 | -7% |
| Healthcare | 87.3 | 106.3 | -18% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.5 | 103.8 | -6% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 103.1 | -13% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arkansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arkansas | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $530,000 | $335,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,103/mo | $1,523/mo | $420 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.53/gal | $0.48 |
| Electric bill | $85/mo | $107/mo | $22 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $21,840/yr | $12,967 |
Salary equivalent: Arkansas → Colorado
What a Arkansas salary buys you in Colorado, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arkansas | Equivalent in Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $57,214 | $-7,214 |
| $75,000 | $85,821 | $-10,821 |
| $100,000 | $114,428 | $-14,428 |
| $150,000 | $171,643 | $-21,643 |
| $200,000 | $228,857 | $-28,857 |
Positive = your money goes further in Colorado. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Colorado is 13% more expensive than Arkansas overall. Colorado has an index of 103.1 vs 90.1 for Arkansas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Colorado?
Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Colorado is 13% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $530,000 in Colorado.
Is Arkansas cheaper than Colorado?
Yes, Arkansas is 13% cheaper than Colorado overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Colorado more expensive than Arkansas?
Yes, Colorado is 13% more expensive than Arkansas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Colorado equals $100,000 in Arkansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arkansas, you would need approximately $114,428 in Colorado. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 103.1).
How do housing costs compare between Arkansas and Colorado?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arkansas. Median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $530,000 in Colorado — a $335,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/mo vs $1,523/mo.
What costs more in Arkansas vs Colorado?
Housing is 28% lower in Arkansas (index 78.8 vs 108.8). Healthcare is 18% lower in Arkansas (index 87.3 vs 106.3). Groceries is 7% lower in Arkansas (index 94.3 vs 101.2).
Is gas cheaper in Arkansas or Colorado?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Arkansas and $3.53/gallon in Colorado — a $0.48 difference per gallon.
Arkansas vs Colorado cost of living — how do they compare?
Arkansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Colorado has 103.1 (national average = 100). Colorado is 13% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Colorado?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arkansas vs Colorado paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arkansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arkansas vs Colorado Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arkansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.