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Moving from California to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

AR state flag
Moving to

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

Median household income $56,335 · winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

Arkansas has an overall price level 86.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 21% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 62% lower housing costs
Groceries index
California
106.1
Arkansas
93.6
Arkansas has 12% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 3.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
14.2 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 60% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 4.7% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 72% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$2,104/mo
Arkansas
$982/mo
Arkansas is 53% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 9.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 33% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 2.5% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 16% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 102% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
California
56
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 25% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
California
302
Arkansas
1
Arkansas has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
California
16 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 81% less annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaArkansas report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas than California?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California, 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?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Arkansas tops out at 3.9%.

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

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

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