Cost of Living by City: Bentonville vs. Rogers vs. Fayetteville vs. Springdale

Here’s a comprehensive 2026 cost-of-living comparison for four of Northwest Arkansas’s most popular cities: Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale — with a focus on housing, rent, and overall living costs you’re most likely to encounter if you’re relocating, buying, or budgeting in NWA.

Overview: How NWA Compares to National Costs

Before we dive city-by-city, it helps to know that Northwest Arkansas overall remains more affordable than many major U.S. metro areas — especially in key categories like housing and groceries — though home prices have risen significantly in recent years due to demand.

Bentonville

Cost Snapshot

• Housing tends to be the highest among the four cities listed here.

• Local estimates place Bentonville home prices above the regional average, often in the mid to upper-$400,000s or more. The Downtown Bentonville area will naturally yeild a much higher price per square foot due to the desireable location and proximity to everything that downtown has to offer.

• Other cost categories (utilities, groceries, transport) trend close to national averages.

  
  

Why It’s Higher

• Corporate headquarters like Walmart and related economic activity drive demand and incomes, but also push housing costs and rent above the NWA baseline.

  
  

General Takeaway

• Great for jobs and amenities, but if affordability is a higher priority, Bentoville typically ranks most expensive of the four cities.

Rogers

Cost Snapshot

• Rogers usually has housing costs below Bentonville but above Springdale. SoFi

• Average home values have been reported near $408,000 - $448,000.

• Rent and day-to-day living costs are often aligned with typical suburban markets in the region. Rent.com

Why It’s Attractive

• Rogers offers better housing affordability than Bentonville while still giving access to amenities, schools, parks, shopping, and jobs.

General Takeaway

• A balanced choice: more affordable than Bentonville, but with strong community features and accessibility.

Fayetteville

Cost Snapshot

• Fayetteville’s housing costs tend to fall between Springdale and Bentonville for home prices.

• Median home prices fall between $365,000 to 393,000, according to the local MLS resource.

Other Living Costs

• Cost of living indexes indicate Fayetteville measures slightly below national averages overall when factoring in utilities, transportation, and common goods — even with rising home values. Payscale

What to Expect

• Fayetteville is a college town with more diverse housing types (single family, apartments, historic neighborhoods), which can make housing costs more flexible depending on location.

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General Takeaway

• Moderate cost with strong amenities — slightly cheaper overall than Bentonville, similar to Rogers depending on neighborhood and housing type.

Springdale

Cost Snapshot

• Springdale generally trends least expensive among the four when considering median home prices. SoFi

• Overall living costs tend to be approachable, with a strong balance of affordability and community amenities.

Why It’s Lower

• Though prices have risen across NWA, Springdale’s market historically started lower, and many buyers still find more budget-friendly options here relative to Bentonville and Fayetteville.

General Takeaway

• If affordability is a priority, Springdale often offers the best entry point for home buyers seeking good value.

Quick Housing Comparison: Median Sale Prices (2024–2025)

To better understand how housing costs compare across Northwest Arkansas, here’s a look at median sale prices by city, based on the most recent closed-sale data.

City	2024 Median Sale Price	2025 Median Sale Price	Year-Over-Year Change
Bentonville	$465,000	$480,000	↑ $15,000
Rogers	$408,295	$448,564	↑ $40,269
Fayetteville	$365,000	$393,000	↑ $28,000
Springdale	$324,500	$355,000	↑ $30,500

Rent & Other Costs

• Rent: Across NWA (including Rogers and Fayetteville), typical rents for 1–2 bedroom apartments are around $1,200–$1,440 and up depending on location and amenities. Rent.com

• Day-to-day costs: Groceries and utilities in Arkansas tend to align with or fall slightly below U.S. averages — a factor that helps offset local housing costs. Unbiased

What This Data Tells Us

• Bentonville continues to command the highest median prices in the region, reflecting strong demand tied to employment, walkability, and ongoing downtown investment.

• Rogers experienced the largest year-over-year increase, highlighting its growing appeal as a balance between affordability, amenities, and accessibility.

• Fayetteville remains a mid-range option, offering cultural vibrancy and university influence at a lower median price point than Bentonville.

• Springdale remains the most affordable of the four cities, while still showing strong appreciation — making it attractive for first-time buyers and value-focused households.

  
  

Overall, the data confirms a consistent upward trend across all four cities, with affordability and appreciation varying by location rather than demand slowing across the region.