Senior living in Arkansas
Arkansas is called by its residents as the Land of Opportunity, and for a retiring senior, there are indeed opportunities that abound. For a retiree, the state has various rivers and lakes to explore and even has hot springs. While the weather can be stormy, it can be a great state for people who love long summers. For nature lovers, this is the state to visit. Retirees also love Arkansas due to its low cost of living. So, if you're looking to retire without breaking the bank, this might be the state for you. Read below, and see what offerings Arkansas has for you.
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Cost of living in Arkansas
The cost of living in Arkansas is over 13% cheaper than in the rest of the US. Its most notable affordable aspect is its housing cost, nearly 25% cheaper than the national average. Its median home cost is also over half of the US average. Some states have something more expensive than the average, such as utilities, but Arkansas is cheaper in every regard. For a retiree, this state is perfect if you want affordability. Like any state, however, some places are more affordable than others, so be sure to do your research and plan accordingly.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
- Overall
- 86.9
- Grocery
- 92.5
- Housing
- 75.6
- Utilities
- 90.7
- Transportation
- 91
- Misc.
- 97.4
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
- Median home
- $127,800
- Average rent
- $745
- Studio
- $564
- 1 bedroom
- $591
- 2 bedroom
- $752
- 3 bedroom
- $926
Care levels in Arkansas
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
- AL
Assisted Living
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
- MC
Memory Care
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
- IL
Independent Living
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
- HC
Home Care
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
- SNF
Nursing Homes
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
- SA
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
Browse by city
Popular cities in Arkansas
- Little Rock, AR42 communities
- Fort Smith, AR20 communities
- Conway, AR16 communities
- Rogers, AR15 communities
- Fayetteville, AR13 communities
- Jonesboro, AR13 communities
- Pine Bluff, AR12 communities
- Bella Vista, AR11 communities
- North Little Rock, AR11 communities
- Springdale, AR11 communities
- Texarkana, AR10 communities
- Russellville, AR9 communities
Hand-picked from our directory
Top assisted living in Arkansas
Brookdale Pleasant Hills
Little Rock, AR
4.2 · 27 reviews
Brookdale Chenal Heights
Little Rock, AR
4.2 · 17 reviews
Katherine's Place At Wedington
Fayetteville, AR
3.4 · 17 reviews
Elmcroft Of Maumelle
Maumelle, AR
4.6 · 16 reviews
Woodland Heights Little Rock, AR
Little Rock, AR
4.2 · 16 reviews
Elmcroft Of Sherwood
Little Rock, AR
4.5 · 15 reviews
Caregivers who come to you
Top home care in Arkansas
Brightstar Care Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
4.6 · 103 reviews
Right At Home Hot Springs Village, Ar
Benton, AR
4.8 · 101 reviews
Brightstar Care Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR
4.5 · 99 reviews
Home Helpers Of Jacksonville Little Rock, Ar
Little Rock, AR
4.7 · 96 reviews
First Choice Senior Care - Little Rock, Ar
Little Rock, AR
4.8 · 59 reviews
Home Instead Senior Care - Little Rock, Ar
Little Rock, AR
4.7 · 45 reviews
55+ housing without daily care
Best senior apartments in Arkansas
Local pricing
Assisted living monthly cost by city in Arkansas
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
Common questions about senior living in Arkansas
- What types of senior care are available in Arkansas?
- Arkansas has communities offering assisted living, memory care, independent living, home care, and skilled nursing. Larger metros have more depth of options across all care levels; smaller markets may have fewer choices in any single category.
- How much does assisted living cost in Arkansas?
- Assisted living costs in Arkansas vary widely by metro, apartment size, and the resident's level of care. The national median is roughly $5,000 per month; major metros tend to run higher and rural areas lower. Each community sets its own pricing - request a written cost breakdown when you tour.
- Does Arkansas Medicaid pay for assisted living?
- Medicaid does not pay for room-and-board in assisted living, but Arkansas's Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver may cover some assisted-living services for eligible residents. Coverage and eligibility vary - check directly with your state's Medicaid agency or an elder-law attorney.
- How do I evaluate a nursing home in Arkansas?
- Start with the CMS 5-star rating on Medicare.gov for any Medicare-certified facility, then look at the underlying staffing data and the most recent state inspection report. Tour the facility, watch staff interact with residents, and ask about staffing levels during evenings and overnight.
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