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Moving from Arkansas to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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.

SC state flag
Moving to

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

South Carolina has an overall price level 93.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 7.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 38% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
South Carolina
98.4
South Carolina has 1.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
16.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 21% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 1.4% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 39% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
South Carolina
$1,203/mo
South Carolina is 52% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 1.1% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 10% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 3.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
South Carolina
216
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 5.8% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
South Carolina
39
South Carolina has 7.1% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 67% less annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasSouth Carolina 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 South Carolina than Arkansas?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (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. South Carolina tops out at 6%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in South Carolina?

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

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