Thinking about relocating from Dallas to Rogers in Northwest Arkansas? You are not alone, and you are smart to look beyond simple cost-of-living calculators. The biggest shift many transferees feel is the tradeoff between Arkansas state income tax and often lower housing-related costs. In this guide, you will learn how housing, taxes, utilities, transportation, and daily expenses stack up, plus a practical checklist to make your move smooth. Let’s dive in.
Cost-of-living snapshot
Rogers sits in Benton County within Northwest Arkansas, home to major employers and steady in-migration. Dallas–Fort Worth is larger and more diverse economically, which shapes job options, housing demand, and lifestyle choices.
- Employer landscape: Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and nearby Tyson Foods anchor the region, while DFW has a much broader corporate base.
- Population and density: Rogers is part of a fast-growing but smaller metro. DFW’s size leads to wider wage dispersion and higher overall housing demand.
- Taxes: Texas has no state personal income tax. Arkansas does have a state income tax. This is the most important structural difference to model for take-home pay.
- Transportation: DFW has more flight options. Rogers relies more on personal vehicles and has fewer nonstop flights at Northwest Arkansas National Airport.
Housing costs: Rogers vs Dallas
Purchase and rent comparisons
You can often find lower median sale prices and rents in many parts of Benton County compared with central Dallas neighborhoods. Price growth in Northwest Arkansas has been strong, and inventory can be tight in highly sought-after areas. Compare price per square foot, months of supply, and the mix of new construction versus resale homes in your target neighborhoods.
Property taxes and homeowners insurance
Arkansas generally has lower effective property tax rates than Texas. Texas depends more on property taxes because it does not have an income tax. Your total tax bill still depends on assessed value and local rates. Insurance premiums vary by ZIP code and weather risk, so ask for quotes for the addresses you are considering in both markets.
HOA fees and new developments
Rogers and nearby cities offer many master-planned communities with amenities such as pools, trails, and parks. HOA dues can materially change monthly housing costs. Review what is included, such as trash service or landscaping, and compare to similar communities in Dallas suburbs.
Market dynamics to watch
Rapid employer growth in Benton County can compress inventory and push prices up, especially near corporate campuses or popular school zones. Keep an eye on days-on-market, builder backlogs, and affordability metrics as mortgage rates shift.
Taxes and take-home pay
State income tax
If you are moving from Texas, plan for Arkansas state income tax withholding. This can change your net pay even if your gross salary stays the same. Work with HR or payroll to run a gross-to-net projection for your exact compensation and filing status.
Sales tax
Both states collect sales tax at the state and local level. Combined rates vary by jurisdiction. This can affect big-ticket purchases and service costs, so compare the city-level rates where you will live and shop.
Property tax
Texas property taxes are often higher on a percentage basis, while Arkansas tends to be lower. Your annual bill depends on assessed value and local millage rates. Verify the current assessment, exemptions, and expected changes after a purchase.
Payroll and HR considerations
Federal payroll taxes are the same in both states. Employers should confirm state unemployment insurance rates and set up Arkansas withholding for transferees. Employees should review allowances and any relocation tax gross-up or tax equalization benefits.
Utilities and household costs
Electricity and natural gas
Both regions have hot summers. Air conditioning drives seasonal electricity usage. Parts of Texas allow shopping for electricity plans in a competitive market, while Arkansas is mostly served by regulated utilities or cooperatives. Compare kWh rates and typical monthly bills for a home size similar to yours.
Water, sewer, and trash
Municipal rates vary. Ask for sample bills or rate sheets from the City of Rogers utilities and from the city or suburb you are moving from in Dallas. If your neighborhood HOA covers trash or recycling, factor that into the comparison.
Internet and phone
Rogers has a growing fiber footprint along with major cable and telecom providers. Coverage can vary by subdivision. Confirm provider options and installation timelines for your exact address, especially if you work from home.
HOA services and maintenance
Some communities include lawn care, walking trails, pools, and gates in their dues. Compare apples to apples when you evaluate monthly costs and lifestyle benefits.
Transportation and commute
Commute time and distance
Many Rogers area commutes are shorter than long Dallas suburban drives. Actual times vary by where you live and where you work within Northwest Arkansas. Do a test drive during peak hours from your short list of neighborhoods to your worksite.
Car ownership and operating costs
Both regions are car-oriented. Insurance premiums depend on ZIP code and driver profile. Gas prices fluctuate weekly and can differ by state fuel taxes. Review registration fees and vehicle inspection requirements for Arkansas versus Texas.
Public transit and alternatives
Dallas offers more extensive transit through DART and other services. Northwest Arkansas has more limited fixed-route options and micro-transit. Expect to rely more on a personal vehicle in Rogers.
Air travel access
DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field provide many nonstop flights and international routes. Northwest Arkansas National Airport offers regional and national service with fewer nonstop destinations. International trips may require a connection.
Day-to-day costs and lifestyle
Groceries and retail
Grocery costs are broadly similar, with national and regional chains in both markets. Your cart total will vary by store selection, brand preferences, and promotions. For large purchases, check local sales tax differences.
Childcare and schools
Childcare costs can be significant and have risen with demand in much of Northwest Arkansas. Rogers Public Schools and Bentonville School District serve many local families. Some reports rate certain districts highly, and enrollment growth can lead to boundary changes. If schools are a priority, compare attendance zones, enrollment steps, and potential rezoning risks before you sign a lease or contract.
Healthcare and eldercare
Rogers has regional hospitals and clinics that cover most routine care needs. DFW offers a larger concentration of specialists and tertiary hospitals. Families with specialized medical needs should confirm provider access and insurance network coverage in advance.
Recreation, culture, and lifestyle
Northwest Arkansas shines with outdoor recreation, trail systems, Beaver Lake, a growing restaurant scene, and major cultural assets like Crystal Bridges Museum in nearby Bentonville. Dallas provides broader professional sports, performing arts, and larger venue experiences. Entertainment pricing in Rogers is often lower, though premium options vary.
Local quirks to plan for
- Rapid growth can tighten housing inventory and affect school capacity and boundary maps.
- Commute patterns cluster around major campuses, so timing and route matter.
- Permit and inspection timelines for new construction vary by city. Set expectations with builders early.
- Insurance markets evolve. Check coverage availability for wind and hail and compare premiums across carriers.
Relocation planning checklist
- Compensation and taxes
- Run a gross-to-net pay model that includes Arkansas state income tax.
- Confirm any tax equalization or relocation gross-up from your employer.
- Housing budget
- Compare purchase or rent price, property tax, HOA dues, homeowners insurance, and maintenance.
- Request current MLS comps and price-per-square-foot checks for target neighborhoods.
- Commute testing
- Drive your expected route during rush hour. Repeat from a second-choice neighborhood.
- Verify school-to-work logistics if applicable.
- Utilities and services
- Confirm electricity, gas, internet, water, and trash providers. Ask about deposits and installation timelines.
- Schools and childcare
- Contact districts for registration requirements and boundary maps. Check childcare waitlists and enrollment procedures.
- Healthcare continuity
- Verify your insurance network with local hospitals, primary care, and any specialists you need.
- Vehicle and licensing
- Review Arkansas driver’s license, title, and registration steps and deadlines once you establish residency.
- Moving logistics
- Get multiple quotes, clarify corporate allowances, and line up short-term housing if needed.
- Voting and residency
- Understand voter registration and tax residency implications for your first year.
Who Rogers fits best
You want shorter commutes, strong neighborhood amenities, and steady career paths tied to major employers. You value outdoor recreation and a growing arts and dining scene. You are willing to model state income tax against potential savings in housing and daily costs. If that sounds like you, Rogers could be a strong fit.
Next steps
Every household’s numbers look different once you plug in salary, neighborhood, school preferences, and commute patterns. Before you decide, gather current MLS comps, check property taxes and exemptions, request insurance quotes, confirm utility options, and test your commute. When you are ready to compare neighborhoods or schedule tours, connect with a local advisor who can help you make a confident, data-informed move.
Ready to explore Rogers and nearby communities with a local expert? Reach out to Nancy Orum for a friendly, no-pressure consultation and neighborhood insights tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Will my take-home pay change after moving from Dallas to Rogers?
- Likely yes. Texas has no state income tax while Arkansas does. Model your gross salary with Arkansas withholding and compare against expected housing and cost-of-living changes.
Is housing generally cheaper in Rogers than central Dallas?
- Often yes, but it depends on the neighborhood. Northwest Arkansas price growth has been strong and inventory can be tight near major employers or popular school zones.
How will schools compare if I relocate to Rogers?
- Districts in Northwest Arkansas receive positive attention in some reports, but comparisons should be neighborhood-specific. Review attendance zones, capacity, and potential rezoning before choosing a home.
Are commutes easier around Rogers than in Dallas suburbs?
- Many transferees experience shorter or comparable commutes. Actual times depend on your home location and employer campus, so test your route during peak hours.
How should HR teams adjust relocation packages from Texas to Arkansas?
- Integrate Arkansas state income tax into gross-to-net projections and review withholding setup. Consider whether tax gross-up or equalization is appropriate for employees relocating from a no-income-tax state.
