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Moving from Missouri to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Show-Me State, KC + STL metros, BBQ rivalries. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

MO state flag
Living now

Missouri

Capital: Jefferson City

Median household income $65,920 · winter low 24°F · 200 sunny days

Show-Me State, KC + STL metros, BBQ rivalries.

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
Missouri
90.8
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 4.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Missouri
69.9
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 17% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Missouri
97.7
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 1.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Missouri
98.6
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 0.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Missouri
13.4 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 1.4% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Missouri
98.2
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 0.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Missouri
$254,400
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 15% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Missouri
$870/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 8.7% 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
Missouri
88°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 4.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Missouri
24°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 25% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Missouri
55°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 10% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Missouri
200
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 8.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Missouri
44 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 18% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Missouri
44
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 4.5% lower AQI
Snow / year
Missouri
12 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 75% less annual snowfall

Get the full MissouriArkansas 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 Missouri?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 89.1 for Missouri — 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?

Missouri tops out at 4.7% 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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