So you’re considering a move to Northwest Arkansas and wondering—what’s the real cost of living compared to where I live now?
You’re not alone. Whether you’re relocating for work, joining the FIRE movement (Financially Independent, Retiring Early), or just looking for a change of pace, understanding what your lifestyle will cost in a new city is key to making a confident move.
Hi! I’m Anthony Mosley, a local real estate broker based in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas. I help individuals and families just like you make informed decisions about moving to our part of the country—and that starts with knowing the numbers.
In this post, we’ll dive into a high-level cost of living comparison between Northwest Arkansas and major U.S. metro areas. From housing to healthcare, gas prices to groceries, I’ve got the facts—and yes, we’re about to get a little nerdy with data.
Who’s Moving to Northwest Arkansas?
Many people move here due to corporate relocations (think Walmart, Tyson, and JB Hunt), while others are remote workers seeking a slower pace of life in a beautiful region. Some are retiring early, looking for more affordability and a strong sense of community. Whatever your reason, you’re probably wondering how your current city compares.
Cities We’re Comparing
To give you a fair picture, I compared Bentonville and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas area to these metros:
- San Francisco, CA
- Denver, CO
- Dallas, TX
- Minneapolis, MN
- Nashville, TN
- Charlotte, NC
- Miami, FL
Yes, these cities are much larger than Northwest Arkansas, but that’s part of the story—they’re where many of our newcomers are coming from.
Quick Population Context
| Metro Area | Population |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | 3.36 million |
| Denver | 2.9 million |
| Dallas | 7.6 million |
| Minneapolis | 3.7 million |
| Nashville | 2 million |
| Charlotte | 2.7 million |
| Miami | 6.1 million |
| Northwest Arkansas | 600,000+ and growing |
Cost of Living: $150K Income Comparison
Using $150,000 as a benchmark income, here’s how much you would need to make in Bentonville to maintain the same standard of living from each of the cities above:
| City | Equivalent Bentonville Income | % Cost Difference |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $84,458 | -43.7% |
| Denver | ~$95,000 | -36.7% |
| Dallas | ~$98,000 | -34.5% |
| Minneapolis | $150,641 | +0.4% |
| Nashville | ~$140,000 | -6.7% |
| Charlotte | ~$140,000 | -6.5% |
| Miami | ~$122,000 | -22.5% |
Minneapolis was the only metro where the cost of living was slightly lower than here.
Healthcare Cost Comparison
I compared five healthcare-related costs: optometrist, doctor, dentist, ibuprofen, and prescriptions.
| City | Healthcare Cost Difference (vs. NWA) |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | +109% |
| Denver | +47% |
| Dallas | +32% |
| Minneapolis | +6% |
| Nashville | +8% |
| Charlotte | -16% (cheaper than NWA) |
| Miami | +8% |
Surprisingly, dentist visits in Bentonville were more affordable than in any of the compared cities. Time to smile!
Random Costs: Wine, Gas, and… Potatoes?
We also looked at everyday expenses that impact your wallet:
| Item | Notable Difference |
|---|---|
| Wine (vs. SF) | +21% in Bentonville |
| Newspapers (vs. Denver) | +126% in Bentonville |
| Washer Repair (vs. Miami) | +24% in Bentonville |
| Potatoes (Charlotte/Miami) | More expensive than in Bentonville |
| Gas (vs. SF) | Much cheaper in NWA – ~$2.99/gallon locally |
| Eggs (vs. all cities) | Less expensive across the board |
Housing: The Big One
According to Bankrate.com, the average home price in Bentonville is $442,500. But with my access to MLS data, I can tell you the actual 2024 average is around $559,500.
| Metro | % Higher Home Prices than Bentonville |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | +68% |
| Denver | +32% |
| Dallas | +20% |
| Minneapolis | -9% (cheaper) |
| Nashville | -15% |
| Charlotte | -11% |
| Miami | +38% |
Bentonville Property Taxes
Arkansas reassesses property values every four years. I shared my personal tax bill for transparency:
- Assessed Market Value Increase (2022–2024): +$200,000
- Annual Property Tax (2024): ~$4,790
- Homestead Credit: $425
- Net Difference from Prior Year: ~$500
Income & Sales Tax
- State Income Tax: Graduated scale, ranks 32nd in the U.S.
- Combined State & Local Sales Tax in Bentonville: 9.5%
- Combined Tax in Fayetteville (Washington County): 9.75%
Arkansas also has personal property taxes—on boats, cars, ATVs, etc.—which must be reassessed and paid annually.
Real Estate Case Study: What $550K–$600K Buys You
Let’s say you’re home shopping in the $550K–$600K range. What does that get you in different Northwest Arkansas cities?
| City | Avg Sq Ft | Avg Lot Size | Avg Price/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella Vista | 2,850 | 0.31 acre | $209/sq ft |
| Bentonville | 2,450 | 0.20 acre | $243/sq ft |
| Centerton | 2,580 | 0.25 acre | $215/sq ft |
| Pea Ridge | 2,808 | 0.30 acre | $206/sq ft |
| Springdale | 2,600 | 0.22 acre | $216/sq ft |
| Fayetteville | 2,540 | 0.21 acre | $236/sq ft |
| Rogers | 2,630 | 0.23 acre | $229/sq ft |
Key Takeaway: Bentonville is the most expensive per square foot, while Bella Vista and Pea Ridge give you the most space for your dollar.
So… Is Northwest Arkansas More Affordable?
Short answer? It depends.
- If you’re coming from California or Miami—yes, dramatically.
- From Denver or Dallas—you’ll likely still see savings.
- From Minneapolis or Charlotte—it’s more comparable.
- Healthcare and housing are typically more affordable here.
- Taxes and services may differ based on your lifestyle.
Ready to Make Your Move to Northwest Arkansas?
Relocating to Arkansas can be a life-changing opportunity—but only if you plan ahead and work with someone who knows the market inside and out.
📥 Download my FREE Northwest Arkansas Relocation Guide
📞 Let’s Connect
Let’s talk about your goals, budget, and timeline so we can make your move a smooth and successful one. Whether you’re headed to Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, or anywhere in Northwest Arkansas, I’m here to help.
Have questions or thinking about making a move to Bentonville or Northwest Arkansas?
Reach out anytime—or watch the full video for visuals and charts on my YouTube Channel.
— Anthony Mosley, Real Estate Broker, Bentonville, Arkansas