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Moving from Alabama to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

AL state flag
Living now

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

AR state flag
Moving to

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

Median household income $56,335 · winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

Arkansas has an overall price level 86.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Alabama
88.8
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 2.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Alabama
61.8
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 5.8% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Alabama
97.2
Arkansas
96.7
Utilities index (modeled)
Alabama
98.3
Arkansas
98.0
Electricity rate
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Alabama
97.8
Arkansas
97.4
Median home value
Alabama
$233,300
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 7.6% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Alabama
$889/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 11% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Alabama
91°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 1.1% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Alabama
35°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 14% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Alabama
63°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 3.7% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Alabama
213
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 1.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Alabama
56 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 7.6% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Alabama
42
Arkansas
42
Snow / year
Alabama
1 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full AlabamaArkansas report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas than Alabama?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.9 for Alabama — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Alabama tops out at 5% income tax. Arkansas tops out at 3.9%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Arkansas?

Most Arkansas residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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