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Moving from Arkansas to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
Montana
94.6
Montana has 8.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Montana
84.6
Montana has 45% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
Montana
98.7
Montana has 2.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Montana
99.2
Montana has 1.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 1.1% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Montana
98.9
Montana has 1.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 97% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 18% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 9.8% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 53% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 28% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Montana
205
Montana has 5.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 70% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Arkansas
42
Montana
42
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 1600% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasMontana 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 Montana than Arkansas?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

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