đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Bentonville and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Bentonville vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Bentonville | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $108,465 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $500,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 75.8 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.1 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 671.9 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 53.7% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Bentonville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Welcome to the clash of the titans—or, more accurately, the clash of the titans and a town that’s quietly changing the game. On one side, you have Los Angeles: the sprawling, sun-soaked, star-studded metropolis that dreams are made of (and bank accounts are drained by). On the other, Bentonville, Arkansas: the unlikely corporate powerhouse, home to Walmart’s headquarters and a burgeoning scene that’s turning heads from the Ozarks to Silicon Valley.
Choosing between these two is not a simple pro/con list. It’s a fundamental choice of lifestyle, ambition, and what you value most in a home base. Are you chasing the limelight or building a quiet empire? Do you crave endless diversity or a tight-knit community with a surprising amount of cool?
Let’s break it down.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Corporate-Chic Charm
Los Angeles is a city of relentless energy. It’s a sprawling, decentralized beast where the vibe shifts every few miles. You’ve got the gritty creativity of the Arts District, the salty air of Santa Monica, the glitz of Beverly Hills, and the family-friendly suburbs of the San Fernando Valley. It’s a city defined by its neighborhoods, its traffic, and its sheer, overwhelming diversity. Life here is about options—endless food, endless entertainment, endless ways to live. It’s for the hustler, the dreamer, the artist, and the sun-worshipper who doesn’t mind paying for the privilege.
Bentonville is the antithesis of that sprawl. It’s a tight, walkable, and rapidly modernizing town in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. The vibe is "corporate meets outdoorsy chic." Thanks to Walmart, the Walton family, and a massive investment in biking trails and mountain biking culture, it’s attracted a surprising amount of talent. The atmosphere is collaborative, community-focused, and decidedly more relaxed. It’s for the professional who wants a high-caliber career without the soul-crushing commute, the family looking for a safe and active environment, and anyone who prefers a Friday night at a local brewery over a Hollywood premiere.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles: The creative, the ambitious, the social butterfly, and anyone who needs a major international airport at their doorstep. It’s for those who believe the “California dream” is alive and well.
- Bentonville: The pragmatic professional, the outdoor enthusiast, the young family seeking community, and the remote worker who wants a low cost of living with high quality of life. It’s for those who value time and money over sheer scale.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Get You?
This is where the rubber meets the road. The “sticker shock” in Los Angeles is real, but Bentonville’s affordability is a game-changer. Let’s run the numbers.
Cost of Living Table
| Expense Category | Los Angeles, CA | Bentonville, AR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $500,000 | Bentonville |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $773 | Bentonville |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above avg) | 75.8 (24% below avg) | Bentonville |
| Utilities (Avg) | ~$200 | ~$180 | Tie |
| Groceries | ~15-20% above nat'l avg | ~2-5% below nat'l avg | Bentonville |
| State Income Tax | 1% - 12.3% (Progressive) | 0% | Bentonville |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s play out a real-world scenario. You’re a skilled professional with a salary offer of $100,000.
- In Los Angeles: Your take-home pay after federal and state taxes will be roughly $65,000 - $70,000. Your rent for a decent one-bedroom apartment will consume about 37% of your pre-tax income. After housing, groceries, and utilities, you’re likely left with a modest amount for savings and fun, especially if you’re carrying student debt or have a car payment (which you almost certainly will).
- In Bentonville: Your take-home pay will be significantly higher because Arkansas has zero state income tax. Your take-home might be closer to $75,000 - $78,000. Your rent for a nice one-bedroom is around $773, which is a stunning 9% of your pre-tax income. You are saving thousands per month compared to your LA counterpart.
The verdict on purchasing power isn’t even close. Bentonville provides dramatically more financial freedom. In LA, a six-figure salary makes you financially comfortable but not wealthy. In Bentonville, that same salary puts you in the top tier, allowing for aggressive savings, travel, and a lifestyle that would be out of reach in California.
The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting
Los Angeles
The market is a seller’s paradise and a buyer’s nightmare. With a median home price over $1 million, homeownership is a distant dream for most. The competition is fierce, bidding wars are common, and you’re often paying top dollar for a fixer-upper. Renting is the default for a vast majority of the population. The high cost of entry makes it a city of renters, with stability tied to volatile rental markets.
Bentonville
The market is competitive but accessible. A median home price of $500,000 is still high for Arkansas but represents a fraction of LA’s cost. The market is heated due to an influx of corporate talent, but it’s still a world away from California’s insanity. For a young professional or family, homeownership is a realistic goal within a few years. Renting is also cheap, making it easy to save for a down payment.
Availability & Competition:
- LA: A brutal seller’s market. Inventory is chronically low.
- Bentonville: A strong seller’s market, but with new construction booming to meet demand. More options for buyers, including modern townhomes and single-family homes.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Los Angeles is legendary for its gridlock. The average commute can easily be 60-90 minutes each way. The 405 freeway is a parking lot. Traffic isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a lifestyle factor that eats into your free time and sanity. Public transit exists but is not comprehensive for most lifestyles.
Bentonville has virtually no traffic. The worst “rush hour” might add 5-10 minutes to your commute. The town is designed for cars, but with a growing network of world-class bike trails, many residents commute by bike. This is a massive lifestyle advantage.
Weather
Los Angeles boasts a Mediterranean climate. Average highs in the mid-70s to low-80s year-round. The weather is consistently pleasant, but it lacks distinct seasons. The biggest downside is the infamous marine layer (June Gloom) and the risk of wildfires.
Bentonville has four true seasons. Winters are cold (46°F average) with occasional snow. Summers are hot and humid, often reaching the 90s. Spring and fall are gorgeous. If you crave seasonal change, Bentonville wins. If you want to guarantee a sweater is never needed, LA is your spot.
Crime & Safety
The data here is surprisingly similar, but context is key.
- Los Angeles Violent Crime: 732.5 per 100k residents.
- Bentonville Violent Crime: 671.9 per 100k residents.
At first glance, they look close. However, LA’s crime is concentrated in specific, high-poverty neighborhoods. In affluent areas like Santa Monica or Pasadena, safety is high. Bentonville’s crime rate is low for the region, but as a rapidly growing city, it’s seeing a rise in property crime. The feeling of safety in Bentonville’s residential and downtown areas is generally higher due to the smaller scale and community focus.
The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?
This isn’t about one city being objectively better. It’s about which city aligns with your life stage and goals.
| Winner Category | Los Angeles | Bentonville | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Families | ✓ | Winner: Bentonville. Superior schools (for the region), lower cost of living, safety, and a community-oriented environment. LA’s high costs and traffic make family life exponentially more stressful. | |
| Singles/Young Pros | ✓ | Winner: Los Angeles. If your career is in entertainment, tech, or international business, LA’s network is unmatched. The social and cultural scene is infinite. Bentonville is better for building wealth early, but LA offers unparalleled networking and lifestyle if you can afford it. | |
| Retirees | ✓ | Winner: Bentonville. Lower taxes, lower cost of living, and a slower pace of life. LA’s appeal for retirees is often tied to family or a specific lifestyle, but the financial burden is significant. |
Final Pros & Cons
LOS ANGELES
Pros:
- World-Class Culture & Food: Unmatched diversity and culinary scene.
- Career Opportunities: A global hub for entertainment, tech, and international business.
- Natural Beauty: Beaches, mountains, and desert all within reach.
- Weather: Consistently pleasant year-round.
Cons:
- Extremely High Cost of Living: The biggest hurdle for most.
- Brutal Traffic: Eats hours of your life.
- Competitive Housing Market: Renting is the norm; buying is a luxury.
- High Taxes: State income tax takes a significant bite.
BENTONVILLE
Pros:
- Incredible Affordability: Your salary stretches dramatically further.
- Zero State Income Tax: A massive financial advantage.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: World-class mountain biking and hiking trails.
- Low Traffic & Commute: Reclaim your time.
Cons:
- Limited Diversity & Culture: It’s not LA. Fewer major concerts, museums, or niche communities.
- Weather Extremes: Hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- Growing Pains: Rapid growth is changing the town’s character and pricing some locals out.
- Smaller Airport: Requires connections for most destinations.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a dream that can only be realized there, and you’re willing to pay a premium in time, money, and stress for the experience. It’s a choice of lifestyle over savings.
Choose Bentonville if you want to build a secure financial future, prioritize time with family or hobbies, and thrive in a community-oriented environment. It’s a choice of savings and sanity over scale.
The data makes the financial argument for Bentonville overwhelmingly clear. But Los Angeles’s cultural gravity remains a powerful, intangible force. Your decision hinges on one question: What are you willing to trade?