Fort Smith vs Oakland
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Fort Smith
Oakland
💡 The Verdict
Fort Smith is 56% cheaper than Oakland overall. A $75,000 salary in Fort Smith is equivalent to $169,521 in Oakland.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Fort Smith (left) vs Oakland (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Fort Smith versus Oakland. Differences shown from Fort Smith perspective.
| Item | Fort Smith | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $760/mo | $2,010/mo | $-1250.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,110/mo | $2,700/mo | $-1590.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,460/mo | $3,440/mo | $-1980.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.86 | $3.14 | $-1.28 |
| Milk (gallon) | $2.57 | $4.54 | $-1.97 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.47 | $3.65 | $-1.18 |
| Coffee (latte) | $4.29 | $6.17 | $-1.88 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.05 | $3.61 | $-0.56 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13.75 | $22.64 | $-8.89 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Fort Smith has the same purchasing power as $169,521 in Oakland.
Conversely, $75,000 in Oakland equals $33,182 in Fort Smith.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $1350 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. Arkansas details → · California details →
Reading These Numbers: Fort Smith (73) vs Oakland (165)
Fort Smith at 73 is 27% below the US average, while Oakland at 165 is 65% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Fort Smith, the composite index of 73 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 92, followed by groceries (75), utilities (77), transportation (80), and healthcare (80). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $1,110/mo in Fort Smith and $2,700/mo in Oakland, the annual rent difference is approximately $19,080.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $95,400.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $504,000.0 difference in median home prices between Fort Smith and Oakland translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Fort Smith vs Oakland
Choosing between Fort Smith and Oakland involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Fort Smith and Oakland can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.