đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Bentonville and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Bentonville vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Bentonville | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $108,465 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $500,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $773 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 75.8 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 92.1 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 671.9 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 53.7% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 33 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
New York vs. Bentonville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Let’s cut the fluff. You’re looking at two polar opposites. On one side, you have New York City—the concrete jungle, the global capital of ambition, where the skyline is a testament to human hustle. On the other, Bentonville, Arkansas—the quiet, green headquarters of Walmart, a place where the pace slows down and the cost of living feels like a time machine to 1995.
Choosing between them isn't just about geography; it's a choice between two entirely different life philosophies. Do you want the energy of a million possibilities, or the stability of a community that feels like a small town?
This isn't just about data; it's about which city will actually let you build the life you want. Let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
New York City: The 24/7 Energy Drink
Life in New York is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s the city that never sleeps, and honestly, it doesn’t even let you nap. The culture is built on diversity, ambition, and anonymity. You can be anyone you want here, and no one will blink. From world-class museums and Broadway to hole-in-the-wall dumpling shops in Flushing, your options are limitless. It’s a city for the extrovert, the dreamer, and the career-driven. If your motto is "go big or go home," New York is the place to make it happen.
Bentonville: The Laid-Back Tech Hub
Bentonville is a different beast entirely. It’s the corporate headquarters of Walmart, which has injected a surprising amount of tech and global commerce into a region that otherwise feels like the American heartland. The vibe is friendly, community-oriented, and deeply rooted in outdoor living. Think mountain biking trails, farmers' markets, and a sense of safety where neighbors know each other. It’s a city for the family-oriented, the nature lover, and the person who values a lower stress level over a non-stop social calendar.
Who It's For:
- New York is for the young professional who wants to climb the ladder at breakneck speed, the artist seeking inspiration in every corner, and the foodie who dreams of Michelin stars.
- Bentonville is for the family seeking a safe, affordable community, the remote worker who wants a high quality of life without the coastal price tag, and the outdoor enthusiast who’d rather hit a trail than a nightclub.
The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Bentonville, but the real question is: where does your money actually get you further?
Let’s look at the raw numbers. I’ve compared the essential costs. (Note: NYC data is for the city proper, not the metro area).
| Expense Category | New York, NY | Bentonville, AR | Winner (Bang for Buck) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $500,000 | Bentonville (by a mile) |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $773 | Bentonville (steal) |
| Utilities (Monthly) | $175 - $200 | $150 - $180 | Bentonville (slight edge) |
| Groceries | ~20-30% above nat'l avg | ~5% below nat'l avg | Bentonville |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 75.8 | Bentonville |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the kicker. The median income in Bentonville is $108,465, while in New York it’s $76,577. At first glance, Bentonville looks richer. But let’s talk taxes.
- New York: You’re hit with New York City and State income taxes. A $100k salary in NYC could see an effective tax rate of ~25-28%. Your take-home pay is immediately smaller.
- Bentonville, Arkansas: Arkansas has a state income tax, but it’s relatively low, with a top rate of 5.5% for high earners. There is no city income tax.
The $100,000 Test
Let’s say you earn $100,000 in both cities.
- In NYC: After taxes, you’re likely taking home around $72,000 - $75,000. Your rent for a 1BR is $2,451, leaving you with roughly $42,000 for everything else (food, transit, fun). It’s tight.
- In Bentonville: After Arkansas taxes, you’d take home about $92,000. Your rent is $773, leaving you with a staggering $82,000+ for other expenses and savings.
Verdict: Bentonville wins on pure purchasing power. Your salary stretches significantly further. In NYC, you’re paying a premium for the zip code. In Bentonville, you’re getting a high income in a low-cost environment. The "sticker shock" in New York is real and relentless.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
New York: The Mountain You Climb
Buying in NYC is a monumental financial commitment. The median home price of $875,000 is just the starting point. You’ll face bidding wars, co-op board interviews, and maintenance fees that can add $500-$1,500/month to your carrying costs. It’s a seller’s market with brutal competition. Renting is the default for most, but even that is a fierce battle with brokers, fees, and a competitive application process.
Bentonville: The Accessible Dream
With a median home price of $500,000 and a housing index of 75.8 (meaning it's 24% cheaper than the national average), homeownership is within reach for many professionals. The market is more balanced, though it’s heating up due to Walmart’s expansion and remote workers moving in. You get more space for your money—think yards, garages, and extra bedrooms. It’s a buyer’s market compared to NYC, but inventory can be tighter than in pre-2020 years.
Verdict: For the vast majority, Bentonville makes homeownership a realistic goal, not a distant dream.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- New York: This is a lifestyle. The subway is efficient but crowded, dirty, and occasionally unreliable. A 30-minute commute is standard. Owning a car is a nightmare—expensive parking, traffic, and insurance. Your commute is on foot or by train.
- Bentonville: You need a car. Period. Traffic exists (especially around the Walmart campus) but is nothing like NYC. A 15-20 minute commute is typical. The stress level is a fraction of what it is in the Northeast.
Weather
- New York: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+) and cold, snowy winters (20-30°F). You need a full wardrobe and the resilience to handle blizzards and heatwaves.
- Bentonville: Milder. The data shows an average of 46°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are warm and humid (85-95°F), and winters are chilly with occasional ice or snow, but nothing compared to NYC. It’s generally more comfortable year-round for those who hate extreme cold.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest point. The data is stark.
- New York Violent Crime: 364.2 per 100k. While NYC feels safer than its 1970s/80s reputation, it’s a major city. Crime is concentrated in certain neighborhoods, but the sheer density means you have to be aware.
- Bentonville Violent Crime: 671.9 per 100k. This number is startling and higher than the national average. However, context is key. In a small city of 56,000 people, a few high-profile incidents can skew the per-capita rate. For the average resident, Bentonville feels very safe, with a strong police presence and community watch. Still, the number is a red flag to research specific neighborhoods.
Verdict: Bentonville wins on commute and weather ease. The safety data is a push—NYC has lower per-capita crime but higher density, while Bentonville’s rate is statistically high but context-dependent.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
There is no universal winner—only the right fit for your life stage.
Winner for Families: Bentonville
If you have kids or plan to, Bentonville is the clear choice. The combination of high median income ($108k), affordable housing ($500k median home), excellent public schools (funded by Walmart’s presence), and a safe, community-oriented environment is unbeatable. You can own a home with a yard, and your kids can play outside without you worrying. The cost of living pressure is almost non-existent compared to NYC.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York
If you’re 25-35, hungry for career acceleration, and thrive on social energy, New York is your arena. The networking opportunities, cultural scene, and sheer density of potential experiences are unparalleled. You’ll sacrifice space and savings for the chance to be at the center of it all. The high cost is the entry fee to the world’s most dynamic playground.
Winner for Retirees: Bentonville
For retirees, financial security and quality of life are paramount. Bentonville offers a lower cost of living, milder weather, and a slower pace. While NYC has world-class healthcare, the daily stress, noise, and cost can be draining. Bentonville provides peace, community, and the ability to live comfortably on a fixed income or retirement savings.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
New York, NY
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities in almost every field.
- World-class culture, food, and entertainment at your doorstep.
- Walkable, no car needed (in most neighborhoods).
- Incredible diversity and global connectivity.
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living. Rent alone can be a dealbreaker.
- High taxes (state and city).
- Intense competition in housing, jobs, and social life.
- Crowds, noise, and fast pace can lead to burnout.
Bentonville, AR
Pros:
- Excellent purchasing power. High income meets low cost.
- Accessible homeownership and more space for your money.
- Slower, family-friendly pace with a strong community.
- Growing economy with major corporate presence (Walmart).
Cons:
- Car-dependent. No real public transit.
- Limited cultural scene compared to major metros.
- Higher-than-average violent crime rate (statistically).
- Less diversity and a more homogenous culture.
Final Word: Choose New York if you’re betting on your career and can handle the financial grind for the experience. Choose Bentonville if you want a high quality of life, financial breathing room, and a place to put down roots without the coastal price tag.