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Moving from Arkansas to Massachusetts

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 22% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 120% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 4.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 2.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 122% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 3.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 182% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 86% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 11% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 27% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 20% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 7.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 5.1% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 31% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Massachusetts
50 in
Massachusetts is 1567% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts than Arkansas?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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