Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $83,857 in Washington — about 28% higher in Washington. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
6.5%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
None
+3.9 pp in Arkansas
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,332
+47% in Washington
Median Home Value
$221,200
$454,600
+106% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$83,857
+38% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
52.1°F
+10.6°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Washington?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 32% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Washington?
- 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 $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Washington?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Washington — 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.