Bentonville vs Phoenix

Category / Metric	Bentonville	Phoenix
Financial Overview
Median Income	$108,465	$79,664
Unemployment Rate	4.1%	4.1%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$500,000	$457,000
Price per SqFt	$233	$278
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,599
Housing Cost Index	75.8	124.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.1	98.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	671.9	691.8
Bachelor's Degree+	53.7%	33.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	39

Phoenix vs. Bentonville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

If you're torn between the sprawling Sonoran Desert metropolis and the mountain-biking mecca of Arkansas, you've come to the right place. This isn't just about picking a city; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing big-city energy and non-stop sunshine, or are you seeking a tight-knit community with a surprisingly high salary ceiling? Let's cut through the hype and dig into the data to find your perfect fit.

The Vibe Check: Big City Hustle vs. Boutique Boomtown

Phoenix is a beast of a city. Think endless sunshine, a skyline that’s constantly growing, and a culture that’s a unique blend of Southwestern heat and transplants from every corner of the country. It’s a major metro area with 1.65 million people, offering big-city amenities: professional sports, a burgeoning food scene, and airports that can take you anywhere. The vibe is ambitious, sun-drenched, and sprawled out. You drive everywhere. It’s for people who crave variety, anonymity, and the relentless energy of a city that’s always building itself anew.

Bentonville, on the other hand, is the definition of a boutique boomtown. With a population of just 56,326, it feels like a well-kept secret that exploded onto the national stage. The entire city revolves around a single corporate giant—Walmart—which has fueled a stunning transformation. The vibe here is active, family-friendly, and deeply community-focused. It’s clean, safe, and surrounded by beautiful Ozark Mountains. Think mountain biking trails instead of traffic jams, and a tight business network instead of a sprawling corporate scene. It’s for people who prioritize quality of life, outdoor access, and a sense of place over sheer size.

Who it’s for:

• Phoenix: The urban explorer who needs sunshine, space to spread out, and the amenities of a top-10 metro.
• Bentonville: The professional, young family, or outdoor enthusiast who wants a high quality of life, a strong community, and a unique career opportunity.

---

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?

This is where the story gets interesting. Phoenix has a lower median income, but Bentonville’s cost of living—especially housing—can be a curveball.

Let’s break it down with a hard look at the numbers.

Cost of Living Head-to-Head

Category	Phoenix	Bentonville	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$457,000	$500,000	Bentonville is more expensive to buy into. The housing index tells the story: Phoenix is at 124.3 (above national avg), but Bentonville’s is 75.8 (below avg). Wait, that’s confusing. We’ll unpack that below.
Rent (1BR)	$1,599	$773	Phoenix rent is double. This is a massive win for Bentonville if you’re renting.
Median Income	$79,664	$108,465	Bentonville pays more. The Walmart ecosystem and tech influx have driven salaries sky-high.
Housing Index	124.3 (High)	75.8 (Low)	This is the anomaly. The index measures cost relative to the national average. Phoenix is 24% more expensive than average. Bentonville is 24% cheaper. The home price discrepancy comes from a mix of data timing and what’s included in the index (maybe more older stock). The rent vs. buy data is more telling.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s take a hypothetical $100,000 salary. In Bentonville, your $108k median is the norm, meaning your $100k is slightly below average but still strong. In Phoenix, $100k is well above the $79k median, giving you a "richer" feel locally.

But where does it actually go? In Bentonville, your biggest win is rent. Paying $773 for a 1-bedroom instead of $1,599 is $826 more in your pocket every single month. That’s nearly $10,000 a year in savings, which can be redirected to savings, travel, or a nicer home.

The catch? Buying a home. The median home price in Bentonville is $500k—that’s $43k more than Phoenix. For a 20% down payment, you’re looking at $100,000 vs. $91,400. So, if you plan to buy quickly, the math gets trickier.

Taxes: This is a huge factor. Arizona has a progressive income tax, ranging from 2.5% to 4.5%. Arkansas has a progressive tax ranging from 0% to 5.5%. For a median earner, Arkansas’s tax burden is slightly higher, but the massive savings on rent and utilities (which are cheaper in both states) can offset it.

Purchasing Power Verdict: For renters, Bentonville is a financial powerhouse. You’ll save a fortune on housing, and your high income goes incredibly far. For buyers, the math is closer, but Phoenix’s lower home prices give it a slight edge.

---

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Phoenix:

• Renting: You’ll pay a premium, and the market is competitive. Expect bidding wars for decent apartments in desirable areas like Scottsdale or downtown.
• Buying: It’s a seller’s market, but inventory is slowly increasing. Prices have cooled from their pandemic peak but are still high. The challenge isn’t just price; it’s competition. You’ll need to move fast and be prepared to offer over asking.
• Availability: High demand, especially for single-family homes. New construction is rampant in the suburbs (Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert).

Bentonville:

• Renting: A relative bargain, but inventory is tight. The influx of talent has created demand, but it’s nothing like Phoenix. You’ll find good options if you’re patient.
• Buying: This is the most surprising piece. Despite the high median price ($500k), the market is cooling faster than Phoenix. Why? The sheer speed of growth has led to a construction boom, and rising interest rates are hitting the luxury market. It’s shifting from a frenzied seller’s market to a more balanced one.
• Availability: Better than Phoenix for buyers, but still competitive. New luxury developments are going up everywhere, but affordable options are scarce.

Housing Verdict: Bentonville wins for renters hands down. For buyers, it’s a toss-up: Phoenix offers lower entry prices, but Bentonville offers a faster-cooling market with more inventory in the pipeline.

---

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Phoenix: Brutal. The I-10, I-17, and Loop 101 are legendary for delays. The metro area is massive and only getting bigger. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes in rush hour. If you hate driving, this is a major con.
• Bentonville: A dream. The city is compact, and the driving culture is relaxed. Most commutes are under 15 minutes. The biggest "traffic" is during the morning and evening peaks on the main roads near the Walmart headquarters. It’s a non-issue for most residents.

Winner: Bentonville (by a landslide).

Weather

• Phoenix: Extreme heat is the defining feature. The “weather” data point of 55.0°F is misleading—it’s the average annual temp. Reality: Summers are brutal (100°F+ for months), but winters are divine (60s-70s). It’s dry, which helps, but the heat is a non-negotiable lifestyle. You live by the pool and hike at dawn.
• Bentonville: Four distinct seasons. The 46.0°F average reflects a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and humid (80s-90s), winters are cold with occasional snow. Spring and fall are gorgeous. It’s a traditional climate if you prefer changes.

Winner: Subjective. Bentonville for four seasons. Phoenix for guaranteed winter sun. If you hate heat, cross Phoenix off.

Crime & Safety

• Phoenix: Violent crime rate: 691.8 per 100k. This is above the national average (~400/100k). Like any major city, it has safe and unsafe neighborhoods. You must be mindful of where you live.
• Bentonville: Violent crime rate: 671.9 per 100k. Shocking, right? It’s also above the national average, though statistically similar to Phoenix. However, the nature of crime is different. It’s generally considered very safe, with crime often being property-related or isolated incidents. The perception of safety is extremely high.

Winner: Tie (with a caveat). Statistically, they’re neck-and-neck. But in practice, Bentonville feels infinitely safer due to its size and community focus. Phoenix requires more due diligence in choosing a neighborhood.

---

The Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and living the lifestyles, here’s our final call.

WINNER FOR FAMILIES: Bentonville

Why: The math is compelling. A $108k median income with $773 rent means a stay-at-home parent is financially feasible for many. The schools are excellent (funded by a high property tax base), the community is tight-knit, and the outdoor activities (hiking, biking, parks) are world-class and free. The lower population density and shorter commutes mean more family time. The only downside is the higher home price, but the overall quality-of-life package is unbeatable for raising kids.

WINNER FOR SINGLES & YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Phoenix

Why: While Bentonville has a higher median income, Phoenix offers the social and career variety that young professionals often crave. The dating scene, nightlife, cultural events, and sheer number of employers (tech, healthcare, finance) are on a different scale. You can find your tribe, whatever it is. Yes, rent is high, but with a $100k salary, you can afford a nice place in a vibrant neighborhood. The sunshine and endless amenities make it a playground for the ambitious.

WINNER FOR RETIREES: Phoenix

Why: This is the classic retiree destination for a reason. No state income tax on Social Security (a huge plus), mild winters, and a huge community of fellow retirees. The healthcare system is expansive and top-tier. While Bentonville is beautiful, its humid summers and cold winters are harder on aging bodies. Phoenix’s dry heat is often easier to manage, and the city is built for an active, car-dependent retirement lifestyle.

---

Final Pros & Cons

Phoenix

Pros:

• Unbeatable Winter Weather: Sun, sun, and more sun.
• Big-City Amenities: Sports, concerts, world-class dining, major airports.
• Job Market Diversity: Not reliant on one industry.
• Constant Growth: A city that feels alive and evolving.

Cons:

• Extreme Summer Heat: Can be oppressive for 3-4 months.
• Traffic & Sprawl: A car is mandatory; commutes can be long.
• High Cost of Living: Especially rent and utilities (AC!).
• Urban Challenges: Like any major city, crime and homelessness are visible.

Bentonville

Pros:

• Incredible Purchasing Power (for renters): Your salary stretches incredibly far.
• Outdoor Paradise: Mountain biking, hiking, and lakes are minutes away.
• Short Commutes & Low Traffic: You get hours of your day back.
• Strong Community & Safety: A small-town feel with big-city opportunities.
• High Median Income: Driven by a robust corporate ecosystem.

Cons:

• Higher Home Prices: Buying in is expensive for a small town.
• Limited Social/Cultural Scene: Dining and nightlife are improving but are not a major metro.
• Humid Summers & Cold Winters: A true four-season climate with extremes.
• Company Town Vibe: Everything is connected to Walmart, which can feel insular.

The Bottom Line: Choose Phoenix if you’re a sun-chaser who needs big-city energy and doesn’t mind the heat or the drive. Choose Bentonville if you prioritize an active, family-friendly lifestyle with a high income and a low cost of living (especially if renting), and you value community over sheer size.