What is the cost of living in Malvern, AR?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Malvern has an overall cost of living index of 85, which is 0.8x lower than the national index of 100.
Compared to Arkansas, Malvern has a cost of living index that's 1.0x lower than Arkansas's index of 85.
The standard of living in Malvern ranks as #21 most affordable out of the 70 places we measured in Arkansas. By definition, that implies Malvern ranks as the #49 most expensive place in the Natural State.
For more reading on life in Malvern, check out:
Malvern Cost Of Living Vs. Arkansas
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Malvern. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Malvern is 98.
The Groceries index in Malvern is 98.
The Health index in Malvern is 54.
The Housing index in Malvern is 96.
The Transportation index in Malvern is 94.
The Utilities index in Malvern is 94.
| Living Expense | Malvern | Arkansas | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85 | 85 | 100 |
| Services | 98 | 95 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 93 | 100 |
| Health | 54 | 68 | 100 |
| Housing | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 94 | 92 | 100 |
| Utilities | 94 | 92 | 100 |
Malvern Cost Of Living Compared To Arkansas Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Arkansas, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Malvern Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Malvern, AR Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Arkansas, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Malvern is $142,161.
The Median Rent in Malvern is $764.
The Median Income in Malvern is $46,250.
The Home Value To Income in Malvern is 3.1x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Malvern is 0.2x.
Malvern, AR Costs By Category
Detailed Malvern Services costs vs. Arkansas
Detailed Malvern Groceries costs vs. Arkansas
Detailed Malvern Health costs vs. Arkansas
Detailed Malvern Transportation costs vs. Arkansas
Malvern SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Malvern
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Malvern. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Little Rock, AR has a cost of living index of 96, 1.1x Malvern.
North Little Rock, AR has a cost of living index of 89, 1.0x Malvern.
Hot Springs, AR has a cost of living index of 89, 1.0x Malvern.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Malvern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock, AR | 203,436 | 96 | 1.1x |
| North Little Rock, AR | 64,538 | 89 | 1.0x |
| Hot Springs, AR | 37,920 | 89 | 1.0x |
| Benton, AR | 36,595 | 91 | 1.1x |
| Sherwood, AR | 33,070 | 94 | 1.1x |
| Bryant, AR | 21,504 | 92 | 1.1x |
| Maumelle, AR | 19,373 | 101 | 1.2x |
| Arkadelphia, AR | 10,099 | 87 | 1.0x |
| East End, AR | 6,912 | 91 | 1.1x |
| White Hall, AR | 5,512 | 93 | 1.1x |
