Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Arkansas versus $803 in North Dakota. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 2% cheaper on rent than Arkansas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,074 in Arkansas and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 11% higher in North Dakota. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Arkansas vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or North Dakota?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $803 runs about 2% below Arkansas's $817, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in North Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or North Dakota?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Arkansas/North Dakota — 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.