Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,305 in Colorado. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $85,364 in Colorado — about 29% higher in Colorado. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
2.9%
+3.6 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
4.40%
+0.5 pp in Colorado
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,305
+44% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$221,200
$586,700
+165% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$85,364
+41% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
50.2°F
+12.5°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Colorado — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Colorado?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 31% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Colorado?
- 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 $52,000 in Colorado.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Colorado?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Colorado — 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.