đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Bentonville and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Bentonville vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Bentonville | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $108,465 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $500,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 75.8 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.1 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 671.9 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 53.7% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Houston vs. Bentonville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So you’re torn between the sprawling, oil-and-space hub of Houston and the quaint, corporate-powered gem of Bentonville. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. One is a massive, international city that feels like a dozen cities rolled into one; the other is a mid-sized town in the Ozarks that became the corporate headquarters of the world’s largest retailer. Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a place to live—it’s about choosing a lifestyle.
Let’s cut through the noise and compare these two on a granular level. Whether you’re a young professional chasing a career, a family looking for roots, or a retiree seeking a slower pace, this breakdown will tell you exactly where you belong. No fluff, just data and real-talk.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Small-Town Charm
Houston is the definition of a concrete jungle. It’s a city that never stops growing, a mosaic of diverse cultures, world-class food scenes, and relentless ambition. The vibe here is fast-paced, gritty, and unapologetically big. You’ll find everything from NASA engineers to roughnecks, top-tier museums to sprawling strip malls. It’s a city for people who want anonymity, endless options, and the feeling that they’re in the center of the action. The energy is palpable; it’s a place where deals are made over lunch and dreams are chased late into the night.
Bentonville, on the other hand, is the epitome of curated, corporate charm. It’s the "Apple of the South"—clean, efficient, and driven by a single corporate giant (Walmart). The vibe is laid-back, outdoorsy, and surprisingly sophisticated for its size. Think bike trails weaving through town, a world-class art museum (Crystal Bridges), and a downtown that feels more like a film set than a historic district. It’s a place for people who want community, safety, and a high quality of life without the chaos of a major metropolis. The energy is calm and purposeful; it’s a place where you’re expected to be part of the fabric.
Who is it for?
- Houston is for the cosmopolitan, the ambitious, and the culturally curious. It’s for those who value diversity, career opportunities, and urban amenities.
- Bentonville is for the outdoorsy, the family-oriented, and the corporate professional. It’s for those who value community, safety, and a work-life balance that leans heavily into life.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re talking about your paycheck and what it can actually buy. Bentonville boasts a surprisingly high median income, but Houston’s cost of living is a different beast. Let’s break down the numbers.
Cost of Living Showdown
| Category | Houston | Bentonville |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $500,000 |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $773 |
| Housing Index | 106.5 (6.5% above nat'l avg) | 75.8 (24.2% below nat'l avg) |
| Median Income | $62,637 | $108,465 |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
This is the most critical insight. You earn $108,465 in Bentonville vs. $62,637 in Houston. At first glance, Bentonville looks like the financial winner. But let’s talk purchasing power.
- In Houston: You earn less, but your money goes further on daily expenses like groceries and utilities. The real kicker? Texas has 0% state income tax. That’s an immediate ~6-8% boost to your take-home pay compared to states with high income tax. For a $100,000 earner, that’s an extra $6,000-$8,000 in your pocket annually. You can rent a decent one-bedroom for $1,135 and still have cash left for the city’s affordable (and legendary) food scene.
- In Bentonville: You earn a fat paycheck, but the housing market will give you sticker shock. A median home price of $500,000 is massive for a town of 56,000 people. The rent is cheap ($773), but buying a home is where the cost hits. You’re competing with Walmart executives and transplants from the coasts. Your high salary gets swallowed by a mortgage on a house that might feel overpriced for the location.
Verdict on Purchasing Power: For a single person or couple renting, Bentonville wins on pure salary-to-rent ratio. For a family looking to buy a home, Houston offers more bang for your buck, especially when you factor in the tax advantage. Bentonville’s high income is attractive, but the housing market is a different kind of expensive.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Houston: A Buyer’s Market (For Now)
Houston’s housing market is vast and diverse. You can find a modest bungalow for $250,000 or a sprawling mansion in River Oaks for $2 million+. The $335,000 median price is relatively affordable for a major U.S. city. Inventory is high, giving buyers more leverage and less competition. The downside? Property taxes are notoriously high (often 2-3% of assessed value), which can add $6,000-$10,000 to your annual costs on a $335,000 home. It’s a trade-off: lower home price, higher property tax.
Bentonville: A Competitive Seller’s Market
Bentonville’s housing market is tight and expensive. With a median price of $500,000, you’re paying a premium for the quality of life and the corporate salaries driving demand. Inventory is low, and desirable homes sell fast, often with multiple offers. It’s a classic seller’s market. Rent is cheap, but finding a rental can be competitive. Once you buy, your property taxes are generally lower than in Texas, but you’ve already paid a steep entry price.
The Bottom Line: If you want to buy a home without a bidding war and have flexibility in your budget, Houston is the smarter choice. If you have a high income and are willing to pay a premium for a home in a tight-knit, safe community, Bentonville is your spot.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and the sprawl is legendary. The average commute is 30-45 minutes, but it can easily exceed an hour. Traffic is a daily stressor. Public transit (METRO) exists but is limited. You will spend a significant portion of your life in your car.
- Bentonville: A dream. The town is compact, and traffic is minimal. The average commute is under 20 minutes. You can bike, walk, or drive almost anywhere in town without hassle. This is one of Bentonville’s biggest selling points.
Weather
- Houston: Brutal and humid. The average temperature might be 59°F, but that’s a cruel average. Summers are long and oppressive, with 90°F+ and suffocating humidity for months. Winters are mild but can be rainy. You’re dealing with humidity, hurricanes, and the occasional flood.
- Bentonville: Distinct and manageable. You get four true seasons. Summers are warm (85°F-90°F) but far less humid than Houston. Winters are cold (40°F average, but can dip below freezing) with occasional snow. The fall is spectacular. It’s a more active climate, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Crime & Safety
- Houston: This is a major concern. With a violent crime rate of 912.4 per 100,000, it’s significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood; some areas are incredibly safe, while others are not. You must be savvy about where you live.
- Bentonville: Much safer. At 671.9 per 100,000, it’s still above the national average but notably lower than Houston. The town feels safe, and crime is typically property-related rather than violent. This is a huge win for families.
The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?
After digging into the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final breakdown.
Winner for Families: Bentonville
Why: The combination of top-tier schools, low crime, minimal traffic, and a family-centric community is unbeatable. While the home prices are high, the overall quality of life for raising children is superior. The outdoor access and safe environment give kids room to grow.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Houston
Why: The diverse social scene, career opportunities across multiple industries (energy, healthcare, tech, aerospace), and vibrant nightlife are tailor-made for this demographic. You can build a network, explore different cultures, and find your niche in a city of millions. The lower rent (compared to salaries) is a bonus.
Winner for Retirees: Bentonville
Why: Safety, walkability, active lifestyle, and no state income tax (Arkansas has a low income tax, but Social Security is exempt). The slower pace, access to nature (Bentonville is a biking mecca), and high-quality healthcare (thanks to Walmart’s influence) make it an ideal retirement spot. Houston’s sprawl and heat can be challenging for older adults.
Final Pros & Cons
Houston
Pros:
- Endless diversity: Cultures, food, neighborhoods.
- Strong job market: Multiple booming industries.
- World-class amenities: Museums, theaters, sports.
- No state income tax: A significant financial advantage.
- Relatively affordable housing for a major city.
Cons:
- Brutal weather: Oppressive heat and humidity.
- Terrible traffic: A daily grind for many.
- High violent crime rate: Requires careful neighborhood research.
- High property taxes: Can offset the lack of income tax.
- Sprawling and car-dependent.
Bentonville
Pros:
- Exceptional safety: Low crime rates.
- High median income: Driven by corporate jobs.
- Excellent schools: Public and private options.
- Outdoor paradise: Biking, hiking, lakes.
- Short commutes: Minimal traffic stress.
- Clean, curated environment: Well-maintained public spaces.
Cons:
- Expensive housing: $500,000 median is steep for the size.
- Small-town feel: Limited nightlife and cultural diversity.
- Corporate influence: Can feel dominated by Walmart.
- Seasonal extremes: Cold winters, hot summers (though less humid).
- Fewer career options outside of the corporate/Walmart ecosystem.
The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if you crave big-city energy, career diversity, and don’t mind the heat and traffic. Choose Bentonville if you prioritize safety, community, outdoor living, and have the income to afford its premium housing market. It’s a choice between the thrill of the marathon and the comfort of a well-planned sprint.