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Moving from Maryland to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

MD state flag
Living now

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Median household income $98,461 · winter low 25°F · 198 sunny days

DC commuter belt, top public schools, Chesapeake Bay.

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
Maryland
105.0
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 17% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maryland
121.1
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 52% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maryland
101.2
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 4.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maryland
100.7
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 2.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maryland
35.9 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 62% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maryland
101.0
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 3.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Maryland
$436,300
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 51% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maryland
$1,470/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 46% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

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

Avg summer high
Maryland
87°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 5.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maryland
25°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 20% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maryland
55°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 9.8% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maryland
198
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 9.6% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maryland
44 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 17% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Maryland
43
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 2.3% lower AQI
Snow / year
Maryland
28 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 89% less annual snowfall

Get the full MarylandArkansas report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas than Maryland?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.1 for Maryland — 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?

Maryland tops out at 6.5% 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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