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Arkansas vs Oregon:
Mortgage & Housing Costs

Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Arkansas and Oregon. Updated for 2026.

MetricArkansasOregon
Median Home Price$195K$480K
Property Tax Rate0.62%0.93%
Avg Closing Costs$3K$7K
Closing Cost %1.5%1.4%
Transfer Tax0.33%0.1%
Homeowners Insurance$2,500/yr$1,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
ADFA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $15,000 DPA
OHCS Oregon Bond
Cash Advantage up to $15K
Verdict

Arkansas and Oregon are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.

Monthly Payment Comparison

Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.

Arkansas
Home Price$195,000
Down Payment (10%)$19,500
Loan Amount$175,500
Monthly P&I$1,109
Monthly Property Tax$101
Monthly Insurance$208
Monthly PMI$73
Total PITI$1,491/mo
Annual property tax: $1,209
Oregon
Home Price$480,000
Down Payment (10%)$48,000
Loan Amount$432,000
Monthly P&I$2,731
Monthly Property Tax$372
Monthly Insurance$117
Monthly PMI$180
Total PITI$3,399/mo
Annual property tax: $4,464

Buying in Arkansas saves you approximately $1,908/month ($22,896/year) compared to Oregon, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.

Which State Is Right for You?

There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Arkansas cost 59% less than in Oregon — that's a difference of $285K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Oregon to Arkansas, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Oregon home could fund a much larger down payment in Arkansas, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.

Arkansas has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.62% versus Oregon's 0.93%. While the rate gap of 0.31% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $3,255 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $26K in savings.

Insurance costs favor Oregon at $1,400/year versus $2,500/year in Arkansas, a difference of $1,100 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $11K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.

Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Oregon averages $7K in closing costs (1.4% 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. Arkansas's ADFA Down Payment Assistance provides Up to $15,000 DPA, while Oregon's OHCS Oregon Bond offers Cash Advantage up to $15K. 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.

Key Takeaway

The bottom line: Arkansas homes cost $285K less than Oregon on average. That translates to roughly $1,908 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.

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