Arkansas vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Arkansas
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 78.8 | 79.4 | -1% |
| Groceries | 94.3 | 95.3 | -1% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 102.9 | -8% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 92.9 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 87.3 | 96.8 | -10% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.5 | 95.2 | +2% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 91.1 | -1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arkansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arkansas | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $295,000 | $100,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,103/mo | $1,112/mo | $9 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.16 |
| Electric bill | $85/mo | $87/mo | $2 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $10,706/yr | $1,833 |
Salary equivalent: Arkansas → Texas
What a Arkansas salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arkansas | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,555 | $-555 |
| $75,000 | $75,832 | $-832 |
| $100,000 | $101,110 | $-1,110 |
| $150,000 | $151,665 | $-1,665 |
| $200,000 | $202,220 | $-2,220 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arkansas and Texas have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 90.1 and 91.1 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Texas?
Arkansas and Texas have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Arkansas cheaper than Texas?
Arkansas and Texas cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Texas more expensive than Arkansas?
Arkansas and Texas have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in Arkansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arkansas, you would need approximately $101,110 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arkansas. Median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $295,000 in Texas — a $100,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Arkansas vs Texas?
Healthcare is 10% lower in Arkansas (index 87.3 vs 96.8). Utilities is 8% lower in Arkansas (index 94.3 vs 102.9). Dining & Misc is 2% higher in Arkansas (index 97.5 vs 95.2).
Is gas cheaper in Arkansas or Texas?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Arkansas and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.16 difference per gallon.
Arkansas vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Arkansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arkansas vs Texas 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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arkansas vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arkansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.