2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Brainerd, MN vs Fort Smith, AR

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Fort Smith or is it cheaper to live in Brainerd?
- Fort Smith is 11.9% less expensive than Brainerd.

Which city has more affordable housing, Fort Smith or Brainerd?
- Fort Smith housing costs are 39.5% less expensive than Brainerd housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Brainerd or is Health Care more affordable in Fort Smith.
- Health related expenses are 22.0% more in Fort Smith.
 Brainerd, MNFort Smith, ARUnited States
 Overall  Unlock76.6100
 Food & Groceries96.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock93.7100
 Housing74.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$155,000$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock73.4100
 Miscellaneous89.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Brainerd    5 Reviews

Research, research, research! Personal reviews don't give you the "whole" story! Whether the opinions are "glowing" or scathing do not base your opinion on them! Some  More

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No comment since you  More

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Over 14 years ago

Small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No work. Located in Crow Wing County and has highest unemployment rate in the state. Poor healthcare. Essentia  More

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Reviews for Fort Smith    28 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

I lived here for over a year and it SUCKS. The major grocery store is Walmart. And two other grocery stores and they are high price. One Sams Club , one target ,one  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have been here since 2005. The only good thing about Fort Smith is they have 2 Aldi locations. The cost of living might be cheaper but you also don't have renter's  More

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Over 6 years ago

Dis place lit no  More

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