Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Arkansas versus $953 in Montana. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,074 in Arkansas and $71,855 in Montana — about 18% higher in Montana. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
None
+6.5 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
5.65%
+1.8 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$953
+17% in Montana
Median Home Value
$221,200
$427,400
+93% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,074
$71,855
+22% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.7°F
45.9°F
+15.8°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Montana?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 14% below Montana's $953, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Montana?
- 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 $38,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Montana?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Montana — 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.