Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Virginia to Arkansas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 14% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 46% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 3.5% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 2.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 20% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 2.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 47% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 48% 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
Virginia
87°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 5.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 7.1% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 8.6% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 4.3% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 17% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Virginia
41
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 2.4% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 80% less annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaArkansas report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas than Virginia?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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.

Related comparisons