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Cost of Living in Fort Smith

Is it better to rent or buy in Fort Smith? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$58,839
$861/mo

Median in area: $861

$177,107

Median in area: $177,107

$35,421

If you Rent

🔑
$1,099 /mo
Base Rent$861
Est. Utilities$238
% of Income22.4%
Pre-tax Residual$3,804

If you Buy

🏠
$1,357 /mo
P&I (6.995%)$942
Taxes & Ins$177
Est. Utilities$238
% of Income27.7%
Pre-tax Residual$3,546

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fort Smith?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Fort Smith. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,099, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,357 per month (a difference of $258).

How much do utilities cost in Fort Smith?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Fort Smith is approximately $238. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Fort Smith?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Fort Smith without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $43,960 per year.