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Arkansas to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 1,225 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dry climate), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Chimichanga), real estate & housing (traditional and craftsman vs spanish colonial and modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Chimichanga & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 112% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Arizona is 45.41% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Arkansas to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Arizona

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • High humidity
  • Frequent tornadoes
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Higher rural population
  • Fewer healthcare facilities
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Dry climate
  • Less extreme weather
  • Growing job market
  • Urban lifestyle
  • Access to top hospitals

Arizona iconArizona
  • Higher living expenses
  • Scorching summers
  • Less personal space
  • Crowded cities
  • Desert landscapes
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Mild winters
  • Strong community ties
  • Close-knit neighborhoods
  • Natural green spaces

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to dry climate
  • Look forward to moving away from frequent tornadoes and moving to Arizona with less extreme weather
  • Swap the limited job opportunities of Arkansas for a growing job market in Arizona
  • Get ready for an urban lifestyle in Arizona

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher living expenses in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of scorching summers
  • Time to bid farewell to strong community ties and get used to less personal space in Arizona
  • Swap close-knit neighborhoods for crowded cities

Arkansas vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasArizona
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishChimichanga
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemBBQ NachosTacos
Most popular vegan foodBlack Bean BurgersVegetable Tamales
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • South on Main
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Southern Standard
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • FnB
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 Arkansas to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous BBQ Nachos, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Tamales of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like South on Main, McClard's Bar-B-Q, and The Southern Standard. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El Charro CafΓ©, Pizzeria Bianco, and FnB.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Arizona

ComparisonArkansasArizona
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional and CraftsmanSpanish Colonial and Modern
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, garagesSwimming pools, outdoor living spaces
  • The Traditional and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and outdoor living spaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Arizona housing costs are 112% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Arizona is 45.41% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasArizona
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsWildfires, Heatwaves
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 70Β°F105Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 32Β°F68Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5013
Annual Snowfall (Inches)50 - 100+
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Arkansas to Arizona. Arizona gets 38% more sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Arkansas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Arkansas, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 15 degrees warmer than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 37 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Arizona

ComparisonArkansasArizona
Avg. Household Income$55,432$74,568
Cost of Living Index90.5101.2
State Income Tax4.9%4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.61%0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax9.47%8.4%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailTourism, Real Estate, Technology
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 35% more than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Arizona is 12% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in AZ is 4.5% compared to 4.9% in AR
  • The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to high in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and high in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Arizona

ComparisonArkansasArizona
Political Make-upTraditionally RepublicanSwing state with recent leanings towards Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative policies in rural areas; progressive in cities like Little RockMix of conservative and liberal policies, with liberal policies more evident in Phoenix and Tucson
ReligionHighly religious; predominant Christian denominationsMore religiously diverse, with a significant number of people identifying as non-religious
  • Arkansas tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with recent leanings towards Democratic
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse with a significant number of people identifying as non-religious
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Arizona

ComparisonArkansasArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School
Little Rock | Vandergriff Elementary School
Fayetteville | Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock
Basis Scottsdale
Scottsdale | Knox Gifted Academy
Chandler | Archway Classical Academy
Phoenix
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLisa Academy North Middle School
Sherwood | Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville | Fulbright Junior High
Bentonville
Basis Chandler
Chandler | Basis Peoria
Peoria | Basis Oro Valley
Oro Valley
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville | Bentonville High School
Bentonville | Arkansas School for Mathematics
Sciences
and the Arts
Hot Springs
Basis Scottsdale
Scottsdale | Basis Oro Valley
Oro Valley | Basis Peoria
Peoria
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy
Little Rock | Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock | Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock
Brophy College Preparatory
Phoenix | Xavier College Preparatory
Phoenix | The Gregory School
Tucson
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSubiaco Academy
Subiaco | Arkansas Baptist School System
Little Rock | Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Phoenix Country Day School
Paradise Valley | Rancho Solano Preparatory School
Scottsdale | The Gregory School
Tucson
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Bentonville | Fayetteville Public Schools
Fayetteville | Rogers School District
Rogers
Scottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale | Catalina Foothills School District
Tucson | Chandler Unified School District
Chandler

How Much Do Arkansas to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,225 miles from Arkansas to Arizona will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,897300 ft3$6.32
1 Bedroom$2,823450 ft3$6.27
2 Bedrooms$4,667750 ft3$6.22
3 Bedrooms$6,7911100 ft3$6.17
4 Bedrooms$9,7971600 ft3$6.12
5+ Bedrooms$10,9321800 ft3$6.07

Top Arkansas to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details