The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Bentonville

This guide strips away the hype. $100,000 is a benchmark salary, but in Bentonville, it buys a specific lifestyle defined by taxes and local costs. We ignore "nominal" salary and focus on what hits your bank account.

1. The Verification Test (The Paycheck Reality)

Your $100,000 salary is not what you spend. It is the cost to employ you. Here is the math on what vanishes before you see a dime.

• Gross Annual Income: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax (Standard Single Filer): ~$14,600
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): $7,650
• Arkansas State Income Tax: ~$4,800 (Progressive rates topping out at 3.9% for this bracket)
• Estimated Annual Net Pay: $73,000
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $6,080

The Reality: You are effectively a $73k earner.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using your monthly take-home of $6,080, here is the breakdown. Note: Rent data is currently unavailable/unlisted for standard averages, so the calculations below assume market rate based on local trends.

• Needs (50% - $3,040)

  • Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300 (Estimated market rate).
  • Utilities: $200 (Electric/Water/Internet).
  • Groceries/Household: $500.
  • Transport (Gas/Ins): $300.
  • Remaining for Needs: $740 (Buffer for health insurance premiums/deductibles).

• Wants (30% - $1,824)

  • Dining out, entertainment, shopping.
  • Note: Bentonville has a high density of high-end dining and cycling/golf hobbies. This budget vanishes quickly if you participate in the "Walmart social scene."

• Savings/Debt (20% - $1,216)

  • Retirement contribution or student loans.

3. Bentonville Tax Context

Arkansas is not a tax haven.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: You lose ~$4,800 annually compared to a neighbor with $0 state income tax.
• Vs. California/NY: You save significantly. CA/NY would levy $6,000 - $8,000+ on this income.
• Verdict: Arkansas is "Middle of the Road." You pay for the lack of sales tax exemptions (groceries are taxed) and the income tax.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is livable, but not "wealthy." You will live comfortably in a 1BR apartment and save $1,200/month. However, you will feel the squeeze of taxes and rising local costs. You are solidly middle class.

"Local income tax?"
No. Bentonville does not levy a city-specific income tax. You only pay the State, Federal, and FICA.