Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A medical assistant in Fayetteville earns roughly $32,530/yr (~$2,059/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,050/mo — that's 51% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
AR · 2026
Can a Medical Assistant Afford to Live in Fayetteville?
Using local salary estimates and Fayetteville's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a medical assistant in Fayetteville, AR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$32,530/yr local estimate
$2,711
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$652
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,059
1BR rent
51% of take-home
-$1,050
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$120
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$300
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$239
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a medical assistant in Fayetteville could save roughly $1,152/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 51% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 51% of take-home pay, a medical assistant in Fayetteville is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $32,530/yr — adjusted from the national Medical Assistant median of $38,270/yr based on Fayetteville's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Fayetteville for a Medical Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Downtown / Dickson Street
The heart of Fayetteville with live music venues, restaurants, breweries, and nightlife. Walkable, vibrant, young demographic; rents higher ($1,200-1,400 1BR) but culture is unbeatable.
Razorback Heights / Near UA Campus
Student-adjacent neighborhood with rental apartments, young energy, and Gameday excitement. Affordable ($900-1,050 1BR), chaotic, but fun.
Hillcrest / East Fayetteville
Quiet residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, older homes, and family focus. Median home $350K; strong community feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Medical Assistant in Fayetteville?
A Medical Assistant in Fayetteville earns approximately $32,530 per year, based on the national BLS median of $38,270/yr adjusted for Fayetteville's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Fayetteville affordable for a medical assistant in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 51% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Fayetteville more feasible on a medical assistant salary.
How much take-home pay does a Medical Assistant get in Fayetteville?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Medical Assistant earning $32,530/yr takes home roughly $2,059/month in Fayetteville.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Medical Assistant in Fayetteville?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Fayetteville costs a median of $1,050/month. On a Medical Assistant salary, that's 51% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.