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Moving from Arkansas to Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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.

VA state flag
Moving to

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

Virginia has an overall price level 101.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
Virginia
101.1
Virginia has 16% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Virginia
106.8
Virginia has 83% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
Virginia
100.3
Virginia has 3.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 2.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Virginia has 25% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Virginia
100.2
Virginia has 2.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Virginia
$403,500
Virginia is 87% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Virginia is 91% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
Virginia
87°F
Virginia is 5.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Virginia
28°F
Virginia is 6.7% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Virginia
56°F
Virginia is 7.9% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Virginia
208
Virginia has 4.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Virginia
44 in
Virginia is 14% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
Virginia
41
Virginia has 2.4% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Virginia
15 in
Virginia is 400% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasVirginia 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 Virginia than Arkansas?

Virginia's overall price level is roughly 100.4 (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. Virginia tops out at 5.75%.

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

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

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