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Moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 18% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 55% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 4.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 2.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 55% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 3.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 65% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/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
Massachusetts
82°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 12% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 25% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 8.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 5.3% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 45% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 94% less annual snowfall

Get the full MassachusettsArkansas 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 Arkansas than Massachusetts?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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