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Moving from South Dakota to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

SD state flag
Living now

South Dakota

Capital: Pierre

Median household income $71,810 · winter low 6°F · 218 sunny days

No income tax, Mount Rushmore, banking & ranching.

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
South Dakota
88.6
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 1.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
South Dakota
67.6
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 14% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.1
Arkansas
96.7
Utilities index (modeled)
South Dakota
98.3
Arkansas
98.0
Electricity rate
South Dakota
14.3 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 4.6% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Dakota
97.7
Arkansas
97.4
Median home value
South Dakota
$289,600
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 26% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Dakota
$781/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 1.7% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

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

Avg summer high
South Dakota
86°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 7.0% more summer highs
Avg winter low
South Dakota
6°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 400% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Dakota
46°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 32% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Dakota
218
Arkansas
217
Annual precipitation
South Dakota
21 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 140% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
South Dakota
25
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 68% higher AQI
Snow / year
South Dakota
41 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 93% less annual snowfall

Get the full South DakotaArkansas 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 South Dakota?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 88.7 for South Dakota — 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?

South Dakota tops out at 0% 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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