Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,133 in Idaho. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 20% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $81,308 in Idaho — about 25% higher in Idaho. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
6%
+0.5 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
5.30%
+1.4 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,133
+25% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$221,200
$456,000
+106% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$81,308
+34% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
52.5°F
+10.2°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Idaho — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Idaho?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 20% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Idaho?
- 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 $45,000 in Idaho.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Idaho?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Arkansas/Idaho — 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.