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Moving from Arkansas to California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

AR state flag
Living now

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

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

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

CA state flag
Moving to

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
California
110.7
California has 27% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
California
154.3
California has 165% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Arkansas
93.6
California
106.1
California has 13% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
California
101.6
California has 3.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
14.2 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 149% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
California
102.1
California has 4.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
California
$759,500
California is 252% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$982/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 114% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
California
84°F
California is 8.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
California
45°F
California is 50% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
California
59°F
California is 2.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
California
258
California has 19% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
California
26 in
California is 50% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
California
56
California has 33% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Arkansas
1
California
302
California has 30100% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
California
16 in
California is 433% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasCalifornia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Arkansas?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.1 for Arkansas, 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?

Arkansas tops out at 3.9% income tax. California tops out at 13.3%.

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

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

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