Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bentonville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bentonville, you need to earn at least $55,480/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $99,074, which means the typical resident is $43,594 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 54,513

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$971	$3,237	$38,840	$-60,234
1 Bedroom	$1,151	$3,837	$46,040	$-53,034
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,387	$4,623	$55,480	$-43,594
3 Bedroom	$1,692	$5,640	$67,680	$-31,394
4 Bedroom	$2,081	$6,937	$83,240	$-15,834

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Bentonville's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$99,074

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$55,480

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$43,594

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 16.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Bentonville

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bentonville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,477

Studio

$971/mo

1 BR

$1,151/mo

2 BR

$1,387/mo

3 BR

$1,692/mo

4 BR

$2,081/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Bentonville.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Bentonville's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bentonville

Bentonville, Arkansas stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $99,074 significantly exceeds the $55,480 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $43,594 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Bentonville, a studio at $971/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,692/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $67,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $83,220 would position you well — though many residents in Bentonville manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Bentonville, Arkansas.

With a total population of 54,513, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 28,881 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $55,480 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

28,881

Active civilian employees in Bentonville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bentonville

What salary do I need to live in Bentonville, Arkansas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bentonville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $55,480. The median household income in Bentonville is $99,074.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bentonville on $99,074?

The affordability verdict for Bentonville is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 16.8%, meaning median earners have a $43,594 surplus.

What is the average rent in Bentonville compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Bentonville is $1,151/month. With a median household income of $99,074, residents spend approximately 16.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bentonville?

A studio in Bentonville rents for approximately $971/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $38,840 to afford this.

Is Bentonville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $43,594 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Bentonville is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $55,480 to the local median household income.

How Bentonville Compares

Other cities in Arkansas with salary requirements