2026 Per Diem Calculator for Arkansas

Planning a business trip to Arkansas

Per diem rates in Arkansas can differ by destination and, in some markets, by month. Before booking, compare the city rate in this calculator with your company’s corporate travel policy—including any hotel cap, booking-channel rule, or approval requirement.

Where business travelers stay in Arkansas

For a trip involving Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas, travelers building an itinerary around a venue or arrival point can compare hotels near Statehouse Convention Center with the per-diem rate for that market. Location, transfer time, and an early departure can matter as much as the nightly price.

Conferences, meetings, and company offsites

When an agenda combines client meetings, a conference, or an offsite in Arkansas, choose the rate for the actual overnight location rather than a nearby market. Confirm the venue, airport, and hotel plan before the trip so attendees are working from the same assumptions.

Using per diem and documenting expenses

Per diem is an allowance framework, not a substitute for an employer’s rules. Treat each qualifying business expense according to your policy, retain supporting documentation when required, and submit an expense report with the business purpose and trip details your organization requests.

Top Industries:

• Retail: Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, is the world’s largest retailer.
• Food Processing: Tyson Foods, headquartered in Springdale, is a leading producer of meat products.
• Agriculture: Arkansas is a major producer of rice, soybeans, cotton, and poultry.
• Forestry: The state has a significant timber industry, with a focus on lumber and paper products.
• Manufacturing: Includes automotive parts and machinery production, with various manufacturing facilities across the state.
• Tourism: Attractions like Hot Springs National Park and the Ozark National Forest contribute to the tourism industry.
• Aerospace and Defense: Home to Dassault Falcon Jet in Little Rock, which produces business jets.
• Finance and Insurance: Includes companies like Stephens Inc., based in Little Rock, providing investment banking services.
• Transportation and Logistics: Major logistics companies like J.B. Hunt are headquartered here.
• Healthcare: Expanding sector with facilities such as the UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock.

Some of the Biggest Companies:

• Walmart (Bentonville): The world’s largest retailer, with a vast network of stores and operations globally.
• Tyson Foods (Springdale): Leading producer of meat and poultry products, serving markets worldwide.
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services (Lowell): Provides transportation and logistics services across North America.
• Dillard’s (Little Rock): A major department store chain with a wide range of products.
• Murphy USA (El Dorado): Operates retail gas stations and convenience stores across the U.S.
• Windstream Holdings (Little Rock): Offers advanced network communications and broadband services.
• Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (Little Rock): Provides health insurance coverage to residents.
• Arvest Bank (Bentonville): A large regional bank offering a range of financial services.
• Simmons Foods (Siloam Springs): Engaged in poultry processing and pet food production.
• USA Truck (Van Buren): Provides transportation and logistics services across the country.