Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Arizona and Arkansas. Updated for 2026.
Arkansas wins 3 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $195K and lower overall costs, Arkansas offers meaningful savings compared to Arizona. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Arkansas saves you approximately $1,185/month ($14,220/year) compared to Arizona, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Arkansas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Arizona, with median prices running 49% less ($185K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Arizona may find Arkansas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Arizona: 0.62%, Arkansas: 0.62%), so taxes shouldn't be the deciding factor in your relocation decision. Instead, focus on differences in home prices, insurance costs, and state-specific programs. Both states collect roughly comparable property tax revenue relative to home values.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Arizona averages $6K in closing costs (1.6% of purchase price) while Arkansas averages $3K (1.5%). The difference is spread across title insurance, attorney fees, and recording costs rather than a single large tax. Budget for these upfront costs — they affect how much cash you need on hand at closing.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Arizona's Home Plus AZ provides Up to 5% DPA grant, while Arkansas's ADFA Down Payment Assistance offers Up to $15,000 DPA. These programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make homeownership accessible even if you haven't saved a full 20% down payment. Check eligibility requirements on each state's housing finance agency website — income limits and purchase price caps apply.
The bottom line: Arkansas homes cost $185K less than Arizona on average. That translates to roughly $1,185 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Arkansas. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.