Performance
Score Breakdown
Benton
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Benton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% lower compared to Toledo.
| Metric | Benton | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $950 | -3% |
| Groceries | $400 | $342 | +17% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $150 | $180 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $200 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,847 | $1,967 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 39% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Benton is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Benton | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,632 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,426 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $72,876 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Benton | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Benton.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Benton | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Benton.
From a growth perspective, Benton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Benton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Benton | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 36,595 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Benton
Advantages
The cost of living in Benton is approximately 8% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Benton boasts a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
The city has experienced significant economic growth, with Benton County seeing a 15.5% increase in average weekly wages in 2024.
Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton holds an 'A' safety grade and has received awards for cardiac care, indicating high-quality healthcare access.
Benton offers a small-town charm with convenient access to the amenities and employment opportunities of nearby Little Rock.
Drawbacks
Benton has a low Walk Score of 30/100 and is largely car-dependent, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The city has a high flood risk in certain areas, potentially requiring mandatory flood insurance and higher utility costs.
Benton's violent crime rate of 414.0 per 100,000 residents in 2024 is 18% above the national average.
Public transit options are very limited, with only about 0.1% of residents using it for commuting.
Commutes to major job centers like Little Rock can take 30-45 minutes, which might be a drawback for some residents.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Benton
#68Arkansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$43,632
Cost Index
92
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
66
Business
70
Toledo
#68Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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