How Much Does Rent Cost in Arkansas?

The cost of renting a home or apartment in Arkansas presents a varied landscape for prospective tenants. Understanding the general rental market dynamics across the state is helpful for budgeting and planning. Rental prices are influenced by a combination of factors, including the type of property and its specific location within Arkansas.

Statewide Average Rent in Arkansas

The average rent for an apartment across Arkansas varies, typically ranging from $700 to $1,200 per month. More recent data from August 2025 indicates an average rent of approximately $946 per month for an apartment statewide, while some broader market analyses suggest an average closer to $1,400 for all property types. These figures encompass a wide array of housing options available throughout the state.

When considering specific property types, a studio apartment in Arkansas averages around $822 monthly, while a one-bedroom unit typically costs about $946 per month. For those needing more space, a two-bedroom apartment generally rents for approximately $1,062, and a three-bedroom unit can be around $1,328 per month. Single-family homes, offering more square footage and private amenities, often command higher rents, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 monthly. These averages are compiled from recent market data and various rental listings, providing a general overview of the state’s rental expenses.

Rent Prices Across Arkansas Regions

Rental costs in Arkansas differ significantly across regions. Major metropolitan areas feature higher prices than rural parts of the state. For instance, Little Rock, the state capital, has average rents for a one-bedroom apartment around $900-$950 and a two-bedroom between $965-$1,113, with single-family homes often exceeding $1,295 per month. Fayetteville, a hub for education, sees average one-bedroom rents around $880-$925 and two-bedrooms at $1,047-$1,050.

Conversely, cities such as Fort Smith offer lower rental costs, with one-bedroom apartments averaging about $625-$665 and two-bedrooms around $817-$825. Springdale’s rents are higher than Fort Smith but lower than Little Rock, with one-bedroom units costing around $945-$1,009 and two-bedrooms approximately $1,175-$1,186. Bentonville, part of the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region, presents higher rental figures, with one-bedroom apartments around $995 and two-bedrooms near $1,485.

Rural areas and smaller towns throughout Arkansas consistently offer affordable rental options. These locations can have rents for properties similar to those in urban areas for $600 or less per month. For example, places like Pine Bluff offer average rental prices under $700 monthly, highlighting the disparity in housing costs based on proximity to larger population centers and economic activity. This regional variation underscores the importance of considering specific locales when assessing rental affordability within the state.

Key Factors Influencing Arkansas Rent

Several factors contribute to varied rental prices across Arkansas. Population shifts and migration trends play a direct role, as increased residents drive up housing demand and impact rent. Areas with robust job growth and economic expansion typically see higher rental costs due to increased employment opportunities.

The health of local job markets, including major employers and industry expansion, directly influences rental demand. Housing supply and demand dynamics are also significant; limited availability coupled with high demand pushes prices upward, while new construction can help stabilize or reduce costs.

Local property values and associated property taxes can affect rental rates, as landlords factor these costs into pricing. The desirability of specific neighborhoods, linked to local amenities, school districts, or recreational facilities, can command premium rental prices.

Additional Rental Costs

Beyond the monthly rent payment, tenants in Arkansas should anticipate other expenses associated with securing and maintaining a rental property. A security deposit is required, typically equivalent to one month’s rent. Landlords who own six or more rental dwellings can legally charge up to two months’ rent as a deposit. This deposit serves to cover potential damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent upon vacating the property.

Application and background check fees are common, covering the administrative costs of screening prospective tenants. There is no statewide limit on the amount landlords can charge for these fees, and they are generally non-refundable.

Utility costs are another significant monthly expense, often separate from base rent. Common utilities include electricity, water, natural gas, trash service, and internet. While some landlords may include certain utilities, tenants are typically responsible for these payments. Electricity bills, for example, average around $137.19 per month statewide, increasing during hot summer months due to air conditioning.

For tenants with pets, additional charges apply. Landlords may require a separate pet deposit, typically refundable and ranging from $200 to $500. Non-refundable pet fees may also be charged as a one-time cost. A recurring monthly “pet rent” can be added to the regular rent, with no statutory limit on the amount, though it should be reasonable. Service animals are exempt from these pet-related fees and deposits under fair housing laws.

Many landlords in Arkansas require tenants to carry renter’s insurance as a condition of their lease agreement, though it is not legally mandated by the state. This insurance provides coverage for personal belongings against theft or damage, offers liability protection if a tenant is responsible for injuries or property damage, and can cover additional living expenses if the rental becomes uninhabitable. An average renter’s insurance policy in Arkansas costs around $25.67 per month, or approximately $308 annually.