City Comparison
Springdale vs Benton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Springdale scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Springdale
Benton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Benton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Springdale.
Housing costs are a major driver: Springdale's average rent is
27% higher than Benton's.
| Metric | Springdale | Benton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,169 | $917 | +27% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $200 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $2,089 | $1,847 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Springdale offers 40% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Springdale delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Springdale is estimated at
$48,000 vs $55,000 in Benton.
| Metric | Springdale | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,200 | $43,632 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,522 idx | 47,426 idx |
| Household Income | $69,787 | $72,876 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Springdale runs warmer on average — a 60°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Springdale comes out ahead with 260 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Springdale sees 9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Springdale | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 60.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 29.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 260 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Springdale has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Benton.
Springdale scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Springdale leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Springdale | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Springdale is the larger city
— approximately 2.5x the population of Benton.
From a growth perspective, Benton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Benton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Springdale | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 90,685 | 36,595 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.15% | 1.80% |
| Median Age | 32.3 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.00% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Springdale
Advantages
Median household income stands at $69,787, providing solid earning potential relative to the local cost of living.
Average monthly rent for apartments is approximately $1,169, remaining well below the national average.
Proximity to major corporate headquarters like Tyson Foods drives robust local employment and career stability.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including direct connectivity to the Razorback Regional Greenway trail system.
A vibrant, multicultural community offering diverse dining, cultural events, and a young median age of 32.3 years.
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal vehicles due to limited public transit coverage outside the downtown core.
Competitive local real estate market driven by rapid population growth across the Northwest Arkansas region.
Poverty rate stands at approximately 13.4%, highlighting economic disparities within certain sectors.
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along primary regional corridors like Interstate 49.
Summer humidity can be intense, matching typical regional Ozark climate patterns.
Benton
Advantages
The cost of living in Benton is approximately 8% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Benton boasts a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
The city has experienced significant economic growth, with Benton County seeing a 15.5% increase in average weekly wages in 2024.
Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton holds an 'A' safety grade and has received awards for cardiac care, indicating high-quality healthcare access.
Benton offers a small-town charm with convenient access to the amenities and employment opportunities of nearby Little Rock.
Drawbacks
Benton has a low Walk Score of 30/100 and is largely car-dependent, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The city has a high flood risk in certain areas, potentially requiring mandatory flood insurance and higher utility costs.
Benton's violent crime rate of 414.0 per 100,000 residents in 2024 is 18% above the national average.
Public transit options are very limited, with only about 0.1% of residents using it for commuting.
Commutes to major job centers like Little Rock can take 30-45 minutes, which might be a drawback for some residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Springdale
#106Arkansas, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,169
Avg Salary
$61,200
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
60.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.15%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
73
Benton
#203Arkansas, USA
63.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$43,632
Cost Index
92
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
66
Business
70
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