Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Arkansas versus $841 in Mississippi. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 3% cheaper on rent than Mississippi, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,074 in Arkansas and $44,140 in Mississippi — about 25% higher in Arkansas. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Arkansas vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Mississippi?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 3% below Mississippi's $841, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Mississippi?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $33,000 a year in Arkansas versus $34,000 in Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Mississippi?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Mississippi — 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.