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Moving from Rhode Island to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

RI state flag
Living now

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

Median household income $81,854 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

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
Rhode Island
102.3
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 15% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 45% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 3.8% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 2.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 54% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 3.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 53% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 24% 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
Rhode Island
82°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 12% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 20% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 8.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 4.7% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 92% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandArkansas 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 Rhode Island?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Rhode Island — 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?

Rhode Island tops out at 5.99% 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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