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Alabama to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 451 mile interstate move from Alabama to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs more mild climate), food & health (like Alabama BBQ vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (antebellum, craftsman vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Alabama), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Alabama BBQ and Pulled Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Alabama
  • Rent in Arkansas is 10.72% more affordable than in Alabama
  • Moving from Alabama to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Alabama to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

Alabama to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Arkansas

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Humid summers
  • Lesser job market
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer recreational areas
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • More mild climate
  • Growing industries
  • Better transit options
  • Abundant parks & trails

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less familiar culture
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Varied living costs
  • Different food options
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Southern hospitality
  • Rich history
  • Affordable living
  • Regional cuisine

Pros of moving from Alabama to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to a more mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a lesser job market and moving to Arkansas with growing industries
  • Swap the limited public transport of Alabama for better transit options in Arkansas
  • Get ready for abundant parks and trails in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Alabama to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern hospitality in Alabama to live with a less familiar culture in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historic sites
  • Time to bid farewell to affordable living and get used to varied living costs in Arkansas
  • Swap regional cuisine for different food options

Alabama vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlabamaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemAlabama BBQFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkSmoked Ribs
Most popular street food itemShrimp Po' BoysBarbecue Nachos
Most popular vegan foodOkra GumboBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • The Bright Star
  • Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Root Cafe
  • Sims Bar-B-Que
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alabama to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Alabama BBQ of Alabama for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Shrimp Po' Boys, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Ribs and Barbecue Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burgers of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, The Bright Star, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. After the boxes are unpacked in Arkansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Arkansas' acclaimed eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, The Root Cafe, and Sims Bar-B-Que.

When comparing lifestyles, Arkansas shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Arkansas compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Arkansas.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Arkansas

ComparisonAlabamaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, CraftsmanCraftsman, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, proximity to schoolsNearby parks, waterfront properties
  • The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to schools, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like nearby parks and waterfront properties.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes, as Arkansas is more walkable than Alabama.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike, because Arkansas is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
  • Arkansas has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 10.72% more affordable than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Arkansas

ComparisonAlabamaArkansas
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 71Β°F92Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57Β°F / 36Β°F51Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)58"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alabama to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 2% more sunshine days than Alabama.
  • Arkansas has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Alabama.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama and be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
  • The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 2 degrees warmer than in Alabama.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arkansas as it receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Arkansas

ComparisonAlabamaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$59,674$55,432
Cost of Living Index91.290.5
State Income Tax5%5.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.40%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax9.22%9.53%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Government, Retail TradeAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail Trade
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyWidespreadCommon
HomelessnessNoticeableEvident
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 7% less than in Alabama
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 1% lower than what you are used to living in Alabama
  • The state income tax in AR is 5.9% compared to 5% in AL
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
  • The poverty level is common in Arkansas compared to widespread poverty in Alabama
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Alabama and evident in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Arkansas

ComparisonAlabamaArkansas
Political Make-upConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsRepublican-dominatedRepublican-leaning
ReligionProtestant, EvangelicalProtestant, Evangelical
  • Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as Protestant and Evangelical
  • Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Evangelical

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Arkansas

ComparisonAlabamaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHeritage Elementary School - Madison
Greystone Elementary School - Hoover
Rock Quarry Elementary School - Tuscaloosa
Baker Interdistrict Elementary School - Little Rock
Vandergriff Elementary School - Fayetteville
Forest Park Elementary School - Little Rock
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLiberty Park Middle School - Vestavia Hills
Mountain Brook Junior High School - Mountain Brook
Berry Middle School - Hoover
Lisa Academy North Middle School - Sherwood
Haas Hall Academy - Bentonville
LISA Academy West Middle School - Little Rock
Top 3 High SchoolsLoveless Academic Magnet Program High School - Montgomery
Mountain Brook High School - Mountain Brook
Homewood High School - Homewood
Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville
Arkansas School for Mathematics
Sciences
and the Arts - Hot Springs
Little Rock Central High School - Little Rock
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Altamont School - Birmingham
Randolph School - Huntsville
Indian Springs School - Indian Springs Village
Pulaski Academy - Little Rock
Little Rock Christian Academy - Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School - Springdale
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Montgomery Academy - Montgomery
Huntsville Achievement School - Huntsville
St. Paul's Episcopal School - Mobile
Trinity Christian School - Texarkana
Subiaco Academy - Subiaco
Lutheran High School - Little Rock
Top 3 School DistrictsMountain Brook City Schools - Mountain Brook
Homewood City Schools - Homewood
Vestavia Hills City Schools - Vestavia Hills
Bentonville School District - Bentonville
Fayetteville Public Schools - Fayetteville
Lisa Academy School District - Little Rock

How Much Do Alabama to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 451 miles from Alabama to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-20 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,458300 ft3$4.86
1 Bedroom$2,165450 ft3$4.81
2 Bedrooms$3,570750 ft3$4.76
3 Bedrooms$5,1821100 ft3$4.71
4 Bedrooms$7,4571600 ft3$4.66
5+ Bedrooms$8,2991800 ft3$4.61

Top Alabama to Arkansas Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Arkansas movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Alabama to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Latitude Movers featured image

New Latitude Movers

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Alabama to Arkansas Routes

Birmingham to Arkansas

    Huntsville to Arkansas

      Montgomery to Arkansas

        Mobile to Arkansas