Arkansas
Moderate tax burden · COL index 85
Wins 8 categories
Louisiana
Moderate tax burden · COL index 91
Wins 5 categories
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Arkansas
5
Louisiana
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it better to live in Louisiana or Arkansas?
Quick Answer: Arkansas and Louisiana have similar home prices and cost of living, but Arkansas has a key advantage for military retirees: Arkansas fully exempts military retirement pay from state income tax, while Louisiana only partially exempts it.
What is the downfall of living in Arkansas?
The biggest cons: hot and humid summers, tornado season, rural areas have limited amenities, and some industries have lower salary ceilings than major metros. For military families and relocators from high-cost states, the pros typically outweigh the cons significantly.
What are the pros and cons of living in Arkansas?
Residents enjoy a budget-friendly cost of living, abundant outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life. However, the state does come with drawbacks, such as extreme weather, limited job diversity in rural areas, and high sales tax.
What is the safest city in Arkansas to live in?
Greenbrier, AR – Safest City in Arkansas for Families (2026) If you're looking for the safest city in Arkansas to raise a family or retire in peace, Greenbrier continues to lead the state in 2026. With violent crime rates under 1 per 1,000 residents, it's not just safer - it's a standout nationwide.