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Cost of Living in Benton, AR (72158)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$17.94 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$74,616 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$6,523 / mo2.1x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Benton (72158)

Planning a relocation to or managing a household budget in Benton, AR (72158) requires a clear understanding of baseline financial requirements. For a single adult, living comfortably in this area demands an estimated $3,109 per month in essential expenditures ($37,305.228 annually).

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $703 per month—just 23% of baseline expenses—Benton offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Arkansas.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Benton (72158) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($3,109/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $74,616 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.94/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Benton increase to $6,523 per month ($78,276/year)—approximately 2.1x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $80,344, local wages provide a 2.15x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $889 monthly in 72158, coupled with $396 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $492 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

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Total Monthly Cost$3,109Est. $37,305 / year
Housing / Rent$70322.6% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$274Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$80,344Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$703
Food$274
Transportation$889
Healthcare$396
Taxes$492
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Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Benton (72158)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Benton, AR (72158)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Benton (72158) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $17.94/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Benton (72158)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $74,616 to live comfortably in Benton (72158).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Benton (72158)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Benton (72158) are $6,523 per month ($78,276 per year).

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