Arkansas vs New York Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Arkansas
$59,618
in New York
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 | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 78.8 | 174.7 | -55% |
| Groceries | 94.3 | 103.3 | -9% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 101.5 | -7% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 108.1 | -16% |
| Healthcare | 87.3 | 110.9 | -21% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.5 | 105.8 | -8% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 125.8 | -28% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arkansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arkansas | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $450,000 | $255,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,103/mo | $2,446/mo | $1,343 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.47/gal | $0.42 |
| Electric bill | $85/mo | $174/mo | $89 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $17,361/yr | $8,488 |
Salary equivalent: Arkansas → New York
What a Arkansas salary buys you in New York, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arkansas | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $69,811 | $-19,811 |
| $75,000 | $104,717 | $-29,717 |
| $100,000 | $139,623 | $-39,623 |
| $150,000 | $209,434 | $-59,434 |
| $200,000 | $279,245 | $-79,245 |
Positive = your money goes further in New York. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New York is 28% more expensive than Arkansas overall. New York has an index of 125.8 vs 90.1 for Arkansas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or New York?
Arkansas is cheaper to live in. New York is 28% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $450,000 in New York.
Is Arkansas cheaper than New York?
Yes, Arkansas is 28% cheaper than New York overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New York more expensive than Arkansas?
Yes, New York is 28% more expensive than Arkansas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New York equals $100,000 in Arkansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arkansas, you would need approximately $139,623 in New York. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 125.8).
How do housing costs compare between Arkansas and New York?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arkansas. Median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $450,000 in New York — a $255,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/mo vs $2,446/mo.
What costs more in Arkansas vs New York?
Housing is 55% lower in Arkansas (index 78.8 vs 174.7). Healthcare is 21% lower in Arkansas (index 87.3 vs 110.9). Transportation is 16% lower in Arkansas (index 90.7 vs 108.1).
Is gas cheaper in Arkansas or New York?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Arkansas and $3.47/gallon in New York — a $0.42 difference per gallon.
Arkansas vs New York cost of living — how do they compare?
Arkansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and New York has 125.8 (national average = 100). New York is 28% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and New York?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arkansas vs New York 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
- New York Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arkansas vs New York Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arkansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New York — 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.