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Moving from Arkansas to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 9.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 55% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Arkansas
93.6
Idaho
96.3
Idaho has 2.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
14.2 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 10% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.8% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 107% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$982/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 41% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 5.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 27% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 24% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Idaho
199
Idaho has 8.3% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 66% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
Idaho
24
Idaho has 43% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Arkansas
1
Idaho
12
Idaho has 1100% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 1600% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasIdaho 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 Idaho than Arkansas?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (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. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

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

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

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