Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physical therapist in Fayetteville earns roughly $84,754/yr (~$4,940/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,050/mo — that's 21% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
AR · 2026
Can a Physical Therapist 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 physical therapist in Fayetteville, AR in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$84,754/yr local estimate
$7,063
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.4% state income tax
-$2,123
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,940
1BR rent
21% 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
$3,120
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physical therapist in Fayetteville could save roughly $14,976/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 21% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 21% of take-home pay, a physical therapist in Fayetteville is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $84,754/yr — adjusted from the national Physical Therapist median of $99,710/yr based on Fayetteville's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Fayetteville for a Physical Therapist
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 Physical Therapist in Fayetteville?
A Physical Therapist in Fayetteville earns approximately $84,754 per year, based on the national BLS median of $99,710/yr adjusted for Fayetteville's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Fayetteville affordable for a physical therapist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 21% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physical therapist can live comfortably in Fayetteville with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physical Therapist get in Fayetteville?
After federal taxes, 4.4% state income tax, and FICA, a Physical Therapist earning $84,754/yr takes home roughly $4,940/month in Fayetteville.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physical Therapist in Fayetteville?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Fayetteville costs a median of $1,050/month. On a Physical Therapist salary, that's 21% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.