Fort Smith, Arkansas
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.40 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.05 below the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $900, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Fort Smith's cost-of-living index of 75 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.40
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$900
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$10.75
Combo meal
Electricity
11.8¢/kWh
~$106/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$173/mo
$2,080/yr state avg
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Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.50 | $1.77 | $2.24 | $3.38 | $1.86 | +2960.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $2.89 | $3.06 | $3.06 | $3.15 | $3.25 | +630.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.43 | $4.34 | $4.56 | $4.88 | $5.08 | +48.1% |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.89 | $2.58 | $2.79 | $2.99 | $3.05 | +1900.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.30 | $3.53 | $3.64 | $3.64 | $3.64 | +2630.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $3.65 | $4.13 | $4.34 | $4.56 | $4.65 | +27.4% |
| Bacon (lb) | $5.42 | $5.80 | $6.09 | $6.27 | $6.46 | +19.2% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $4.84 | $5.27 | $5.54 | $5.76 | $5.76 | +19.0% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.28 | $1.56 | $1.64 | $1.67 | $1.69 | +32.0% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.72 | $4.28 | $4.50 | $4.64 | $4.78 | +28.5% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $7.24 | $8.51 | $9.10 | $9.65 | $10.04 | +38.7% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.40 | $4.01 | $4.46 | $4.73 | $4.92 | +44.7% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.37 | $3.54 | $3.68 | $3.71 | $3.75 | +11.3% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $3.91 | $4.11 | $4.23 | $4.36 | $4.40 | +12.5% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $1.91 | $2.10 | $2.23 | $2.34 | $2.36 | +23.6% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.56 | $1.70 | $1.84 | $1.89 | $1.95 | +25.0% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $4.64 | $5.74 | $6.26 | $6.51 | $6.71 | +44.6% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.72 | $3.98 | $4.10 | $4.18 | $4.26 | +14.5% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.29 | $4.88 | $5.27 | $5.54 | $5.71 | +33.1% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.44 | $6.66 | $7.12 | $7.40 | $7.55 | +38.8% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$10.75
Casual Dining
$14.50
Monthly Spend
$249.6
+3.18% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $4.54
$7.33
+61.5%Wendy's
2022: $5.13
$7.92
+54.4%Chipotle
2022: $5.50
$8.21
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $2.71
$3.77
+39.1%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Fort Smith?
Average 1BR: $702/mo · 2BR: $1,062/mo
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