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Moving from Arkansas to South Dakota

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

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.

SD state flag
Moving to

South Dakota

Capital: Pierre

Median household income $71,810 · winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days

No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

South Dakota has an overall price level 88.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
South Dakota
88.6
South Dakota has 1.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
South Dakota
67.6
South Dakota has 16% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
South Dakota
97.1
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
South Dakota
98.3
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
South Dakota has 4.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
South Dakota
97.7
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
South Dakota
$289,600
South Dakota is 34% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
South Dakota
$781/mo
South Dakota is 1.6% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
South Dakota
86°F
South Dakota is 6.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
South Dakota
6°F
South Dakota is 80% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
South Dakota
46°F
South Dakota is 24% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
South Dakota
218
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
South Dakota
21 in
South Dakota is 58% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
South Dakota
25
South Dakota has 40% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
South Dakota
41 in
South Dakota is 1267% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasSouth Dakota 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 Dakota than Arkansas?

South Dakota's overall price level is roughly 88.7 (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. South Dakota tops out at 0%.

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

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

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