Arkansas to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to California

ConsArkansas

• Severe weather
• Limited cultural diversity
• Fewer tech jobs
• Flat landscapes
• Smaller economy

ProsCalifornia

• Moderate climate
• Rich cultural tapestry
• Tech industry hub
• Beautiful coastlines
• Robust economy

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California

• High living expenses
• Higher population density
• Expensive housing
• Traffic heavy areas
• Fast-paced lifestyle

Arkansas

• Low cost of living
• Close-knit communities
• Mild winters
• Lower traffic congestion
• Local charm

Pros of moving from Arkansas to California

• Say goodbye to severe weather and hello to a moderate climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited cultural diversity and moving to California with its rich cultural tapestry
• Swap the fewer tech jobs of Arkansas for a tech industry hub in California
• Get ready for beautiful coastlines in California

Cons of moving from Arkansas to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Arkansas to live with the high living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of higher population density
• Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to the expensive housing in California
• Swap lower traffic congestion for traffic-heavy areas

Arkansas vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arkansas to California, you will be trading the iconic Fried catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious California roll of California. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Smoked pork ribs and sumptuous Barbecue nachos, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip steak and Fish tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black bean burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, South on Main, and Sonny Williams' Steak Room. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, n/naka, and Spago.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and California

• The Traditional and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and proximity to amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Arkansas.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
• California has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
• California housing costs are 285% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
• Rent in California is 107.16% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Arkansas to California. California gets 31% more sunshine days than Arkansas.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Arkansas.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Arkansas and be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in California is 5 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Arkansas.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California, as it receives 28 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 65% more than in Arkansas
• The COLI in California will be 51% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
• The state income tax in CA is up to 13.3% compared to up to 5.5% in AR
• The affluence in California is wealthy compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to noticeable poverty in Arkansas
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Arkansas and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. California

• Arkansas tends to lean primarily Republican in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as more diverse with lower overall religiosity
• Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and mainly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to California

How Much Do Arkansas to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,808 miles from Arkansas to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.