Average rent in Arkansas
The median rent in Arkansas is $982 a month (Census ACS 2024), 34% lower than the U.S. median of $1,487. You need about $39,280 a year to afford it.
Monthly basics in Arkansas
| Cost | A month | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (median, with utilities paid by renter) | $982 | Census ACS 2024 |
| Electricity bill (average home) | $151 | EIA, August 2026 |
| Car insurance, full coverage | $150 | Insurify, Oct 8, 2026 |
| Gas for 1,000 miles | $142 | AAA, Oct 24, 2026 |
| These together | $1,424 | our calculation |
Each line is a state average from a different source and date, so treat the total as a rough guide. Electricity is often already counted in gross rent when the renter pays it, so the total can double-count it. Gas for 1,000 miles assumes 27.2 mpg (EPA average new vehicle).
| State | Median rent | Income needed | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $980 | $39,200 | 2 |
| Iowa | $981 | $39,240 | 3 |
| Arkansas | $982 | $39,280 | 4 |
| Mississippi | $990 | $39,600 | 5 |
| Kentucky | $998 | $39,920 | 6 |
| U.S. median | $1,487 | $59,480 | - |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, median gross rent (B25064), 2024 ACS 1-year, as republished in the Kansas Statistical Abstract (University of Kansas). Year-earlier: 2023 ACS 1-year, State of Hawaii Data Book. Gross rent = rent plus utilities and fuels paid by the renter. Income needed = rent × 12 ÷ 30% (our calculation). Asking rents for listings today are usually higher than this all-renter median.
Plan around it
See what a salary in Arkansas leaves you after tax with our Arkansas take-home pay calculator, then split it with the 50/30/20 budget calculator. Thinking of buying instead? Try the rent vs buy calculator.
Common questions
What is the average rent in Arkansas?
The median gross rent in Arkansas was $982 a month in 2024, per the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. That ranks 4 of 51 (1 = lowest). A year earlier it was $933.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Arkansas?
About $39,280 a year before tax, so the median rent of $982 is 30% of income, a common rule of thumb (our calculation).
Is rent in Arkansas going up?
Median rent rose 5.3% in a year, from $933 to $982 (Census ACS, our calculation). Survey figures for a single year have a margin of error, so small changes may not be meaningful.