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Moving from Arkansas to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

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.

WV state flag
Moving to

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Median household income $55,217 · winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

West Virginia has an overall price level 89.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 2.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 6.8% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 0.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 20% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 0.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 21% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 19% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 8.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 17% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 14% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 11% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Arkansas
42
West Virginia
42
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 1200% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasWest Virginia 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 West Virginia than Arkansas?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (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. West Virginia tops out at 4.82%.

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

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

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