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Moving from Arkansas to Kentucky

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

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.

KY state flag
Moving to

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Median household income $60,183 · winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days

Bourbon, horses, Appalachian + Bluegrass mix.

Kentucky has an overall price level 90.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
Kentucky
90.2
Kentucky has 3.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Kentucky
64.3
Kentucky has 10% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
Kentucky
97.5
Kentucky has 0.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Kentucky
98.5
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.9 ¢/kWh
Kentucky has 9.2% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Kentucky
98.0
Kentucky has 0.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Kentucky
$226,000
Kentucky is 4.8% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
Kentucky
$852/mo
Kentucky is 7.3% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 26°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
Kentucky
87°F
Kentucky is 5.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Kentucky
26°F
Kentucky is 13% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Kentucky
56°F
Kentucky is 7.4% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Kentucky
189
Kentucky has 13% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Kentucky
48 in
Kentucky is 6.4% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
Kentucky
48
Kentucky has 14% higher AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Kentucky
9 in
Kentucky is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasKentucky 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 Kentucky than Arkansas?

Kentucky's overall price level is roughly 87.5 (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. Kentucky tops out at 3.5%.

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

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

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