Fort Smith vs Memphis
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Fort Smith
Memphis
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 8.3%, with Fort Smith being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Fort Smith has equivalent purchasing power to $81,818 in Memphis.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Fort Smith has the same purchasing power as $81,818 in Memphis.
Conversely, $75,000 in Memphis equals $68,750 in Fort Smith.
Living in Fort Smith vs Memphis
Housing Costs
Fort Smith's housing index of 49 is lower Memphis's 63, translating to median home prices of $155,000 vs $155,000. The $0 difference in home prices means roughly $0 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $775/mo in Fort Smith compared to $1,000/mo in Memphis, a monthly difference of $225.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 92 in Fort Smith and 93 in Memphis. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in Fort Smith vs $442/month in Memphis. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 95 in Fort Smith and 88 in Memphis. Monthly utility bills average approximately $380 in Fort Smith vs $352 in Memphis. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 88 in Fort Smith and 92 in Memphis. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $45,200 in Fort Smith and $41,228 in Memphis. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $58,701 and $49,081 respectively. Fort Smith residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,055/month to housing in Fort Smith vs $962/month in Memphis. In Fort Smith, median rent of $775/mo fits within this budget. In Memphis, median rent of $1,000/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 14 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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