salaryFort Smith is the 3rd-largest city in Arkansas that we track, with 89,805 residents. Rent is lower than in 83% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.0 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 16.8 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $43,280 a year. That is $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Arkansas cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Arkansas. It is number 38 of 71 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Fort Smith?
Share of households by yearly income. 15.2% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Fort Smith
| Size | Fort Smith | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $660 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $945 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,218 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,573 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Fort Smith overall?
Everyday prices in the Fort Smith metro area are 14% below the U.S. average (index 85.9, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Fort Smith
Life in Fort Smith
What jobs pay in Fort Smith
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $133,520 | 9.7% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,270 | 10.0% |
| Physician Assistant | $119,840 | 10.8% |
| Software Developer | $114,140 | 11.4% |
| Civil Engineer | $100,330 | 12.9% |
| Lawyer | $88,100 | 14.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | 15.4% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,870 | 16.3% |
| Operations Manager | $70,330 | 18.5% |
| Accountant | $62,990 | 20.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $58,970 | 22.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $55,880 | 23.2% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $52,620 | 24.7% |
| Electrician | $52,500 | 24.7% |
| Police Officer | $51,070 | 25.4% |
| Plumber | $48,350 | 26.9% |
| HVAC Technician | $48,160 | 27.0% |
| Truck Driver | $47,580 | 27.3% |
| Carpenter | $42,420 | 30.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $38,020 | 34.2% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,500 | 34.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $37,380 | 34.7% |
| Firefighter | $35,990 | 36.1% |
| Warehouse Worker | $34,810 | 37.3% |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,020 | 40.5% |
| Restaurant Cook | $29,370 | 44.2% |
| Retail Salesperson | $28,350 | 45.8% |
| Cashier | $27,480 | 47.2% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $23,680 | 54.8% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fort Smith?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $154 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $178,100 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $17,810 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Fort Smith, AR?
Renting in Fort Smith costs a median of about $1,082 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Arkansas median is $1,068.
How much do I need to make to live in Fort Smith?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $43,280 a year, or $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Fort Smith cheap or expensive?
Fort Smith is rated OK: rent takes 22.0% of the typical household income of $59,119. It ranks 38th cheapest of 71 Arkansas cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Fort Smith?
The median homeowner in Fort Smith pays $1,137 a year in property taxes, about 0.64% of the median home value.
Is Fort Smith more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 14% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Fort Smith?
The median home value in Fort Smith is $178,100, about 3.0 times the typical yearly household income.
89,805 people live in Fort Smith. Numbers are typical (middle) values.