Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,253 in Arizona. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $77,041 in Arizona — about 21% higher in Arizona. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
5.6%
+0.9 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
2.50%
+1.4 pp in Arkansas
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,253
+39% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$221,200
$364,300
+65% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$77,041
+27% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
75.1°F
+12.4°F in Arizona
Arkansas vs Arizona — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Arizona?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 28% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Arizona?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Arkansas versus $50,000 in Arizona.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Arizona?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Arizona — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.