Retirement Lists

Cost of Living in Camden, Arkansas

Camden kentinin merkezi
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Camden Arkansas cost of living

Camden's housing medians create room, but the household budget still needs detail

The city reports a $107,400 median owner-occupied value, $768 median gross rent, $1,018 median owner cost with a mortgage, and $423 without one for 2020-2024. These are useful baselines, not current asking prices or complete budgets.

Lower housing cost can be offset by an older home's repairs, insurance, cooling, car ownership, fuel, regional medical trips, and storm preparation. Price those items before treating the city as broadly inexpensive.

Planning a monthly budget

A local monthly estimate of $2,465 gives you the starting point, with transportation taking the largest share.

Housing
$505
Utilities (in rent)
$242
Food
$460/mo
Transportation
$1,064/mo
Healthcare
$436

Utilities are included in housing so they are not added twice. The separate Utilities row is a reference estimate.

How the total can change

A traveler style stay, a couple household, and long term rent answer different planning questions.

Comfortable Living
$3,307

Very Good

Cost of Living for Couple
$3,795

Very Good

Typical 1BR Rent
$505

Excellent

Everyday expenses

Dining, transportation, taxes, and car needs can change how the monthly budget feels.

Dining Out
$228/mo

Excellent

Need for a Car
Required
Property Taxes
Low

Good

Overall Feel
Good
Residents 65+ Below Poverty Level
22.4%
65+ Householder — Renter Occupied
26.4%
65+ Households With High Housing Costs
40.1%
Median Household Income, Householder 65+
$40,865

Could Camden fit your monthly retirement budget?

Compare your monthly budget with a city estimate. Add your expected housing amount when you have a more useful number.

Housing

Enter your expected rent and required housing charges, or leave this blank to use the current renter amount.

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Starting renter estimates

Use these broad monthly estimates as a starting point, then replace them with costs you know.

One person
$2,465 per month
Two people
$3,795 per month

One-person estimate breakdown

Housing
$505
Food
$460
Transportation
$1,064
Healthcare
$436

Taxes, debt, insurance, out-of-pocket care, travel, and one-time moving costs may not be included.

Camden in everyday life

Could Camden work for you?

What may work well

  • Housing medians are comparatively modest.
  • A mortgage-free owner may have lower reported monthly costs.
  • Arkansas retirement-income treatment may help some households.

What to think about

  • Current listings and full ownership costs remain unverified.
  • Cars and regional care add recurring expense.
  • Low housing cost does not imply low household hardship.

Make a realistic Camden budget

  1. Get current housing quotes

    Record purchase or rent, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, accessibility, cooling, and storm work.

  2. Price car dependence

    Add fuel, maintenance, parking, groceries, pharmacy, care, shopping, and family trips.

  3. Check tax treatment

    Review Arkansas treatment of Social Security and retirement income with a current household calculation.

  4. Keep a repair reserve

    Allow for HVAC, roof, plumbing, trees, storm damage, accessibility work, and temporary lodging.

Questions retirees ask

What does the $423 owner-cost figure include?

It is a Census median for owners without a mortgage, not a complete budget. Add utilities, repairs, insurance, taxes, transportation, and healthcare.

Is $768 the price of a one-bedroom apartment?

No. Median gross rent covers occupied rental units across sizes and conditions and does not describe current listings.

Does Arkansas tax Social Security?

The Arkansas guidance cited in the packet identifies Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits as nontaxable state income, but a household should review its full tax position.

What is the largest hidden cost?

The answer depends on the home, but repairs, cooling, insurance, car travel, and regional healthcare can materially change the monthly total.

Camden's lower housing medians are a useful opening, not a promise. Price the actual home, car, care route, cooling, insurance, repairs, and storm preparation before deciding what the city costs.

Sources

The budget value gives a starting point for everyday spending. Housing, healthcare, safety, and climate can change what feels comfortable for a household.

Housing mix, exchange rates, healthcare needs, car ownership, and travel style can move a real monthly budget materially.

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How this city research is made

Retirement Lists uses documented public sources and methods to research, review, and correct city information. Read our Editorial Policy.