Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Arkansas versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $59,074 in Arkansas and $74,925 in Utah — about 21% higher in Utah. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
6.1%
+0.4 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
4.50%
+0.6 pp in Utah
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$1,166
+43% in Utah
Median Home Value
$221,200
$437,100
+98% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$59,074
$74,925
+27% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.7°F
52.8°F
+8.9°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Utah?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 30% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Utah?
- 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 $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Utah?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Utah — 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.