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Moving from Montana to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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
Montana
94.6
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 8.1% lower overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 2.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 1.1% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 1.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 49% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 15% 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
Montana
83°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 114% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 38% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 5.9% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 238% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Montana
42
Arkansas
42
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 94% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaArkansas 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 Montana?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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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